SMU Guildhall Graduate Catalog — 2024 Cohort 32 | Page 24

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Tanishq Chawla
Level Design
Unveiling New Realms : Enhancing Procedural Narrative Generation and NPC Personalization using AI
In my thesis , I aimed to develop a system design framework capable of training GPTbased agents to enhance the procedural narrative and character ( NPC ) personality generation models in video games . My decision to pursue this project was fueled by my passion for artificial intelligence and interactive storytelling . Observing the limitations in current procedural narrative generation techniques — such as lack of emotional depth , lack of designer control and repetitiveness — I sought to create a more engaging , personalized gaming experience .
The core goal of my thesis was to integrate AI in a manner that allows for richer gameplay , enabling players to craft unique stories based on dynamic NPC interactions and evolving narratives . This was accomplished by employing a structured system design that guides the AI in generating coherent and contextually appropriate game
narratives and character dialogues . Throughout the duration of this project , I developed several key skills , particularly in gameplay scripting , system design , and narrative design . The hands-on experience with GPT models and Unity game development enriched my technical abilities and deepened my understanding of AI ’ s potential in crafting interactive experiences . The relevance of this project to the video game industry lies in its potential to revolutionize how stories are told within games . By improving narrative generation , GPT-powered games can offer more diverse , engaging stories that adapt to player decisions in real-time , greatly enhancing player immersion and satisfaction .
Overall , the skills and concepts I learned from this project have significantly shaped my approach to game design and AI , setting a strong foundation for my future endeavors in the industry .
24 LEVEL DESIGN