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Yixuan Wei
Software Development
Extending the Artificial Psychosocial Framework with an Emotional Memory System Simulating Semantic Knowledge , Episodic Memory and Short-term Memory
My thesis is an emotional memory system for Non-Playable Characters ( NPC ) in games based on the Artificial Psychosocial Framework ( APF ). My goal was to build a memory architecture that allowed NPCs to generate human-like emotions based on events and resemble a human-like memory model . Because APF generates an emotion for NPCs , my system iterates on evaluating emotions based on events . These emotions depend on the NPC ’ s prospects for the future and their experiences from the past . Given the outcome of the event , ideal emotions are generated , and expectations are reevaluated . NPCs can now memorize and evolve their characteristics as they experience an event .
I researched and implemented my artifact to demonstrate this memory system for seven months . The artifact is a simulation in which the player is a psychologist performing treatment for a boy with an insect phobia through exposure and reinforced learning . I have learned about human memory mechanisms , extending a highly portable library , and the methodology for researching and implementing a psychological topic . This work is a starting point for NPCs to reflect and understand their experiences and the game world . They could reason with current scenarios from experiences , reevaluate memories to evolve feelings and characteristics , and eventually have a deeper connection with the player .
108 SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT