The Evolution of AI-Powered Interactive Storytelling: From Ancient Myths to Local 70B Models

In the last few years, the realm of AI-driven character interaction (RP) has experienced a significant evolution. What originated as niche experiments with primitive AI has developed into a thriving community of applications, resources, and communities. This article explores the current landscape of AI RP, from popular platforms to cutting-edge techniques.

The Rise of AI RP Platforms

Various platforms have emerged as well-liked focal points for AI-enhanced fiction writing and role-play. These allow users to engage in both conventional storytelling and more adult-oriented ERP (erotic role-play) scenarios. Avatars like Noromaid, or custom personalities like Poppy Porpoise have become community darlings.

Meanwhile, other services have become increasingly favored for hosting and exchanging "character cards" – pre-made AI personalities that users can engage. The Backyard AI community has been particularly active in creating and distributing these cards.

Breakthroughs in Language Models

The rapid evolution of neural language processors (LLMs) has been a key driver of AI RP's growth. Models like Llama.cpp and the legendary "HyperVerbal" (a speculative future model) showcase the growing potential of AI in producing consistent and environmentally cognizant responses.

Fine-tuning has become a crucial technique for adapting these models to specific RP scenarios or character personalities. This method allows for more sophisticated and reliable interactions.

The Drive for Privacy and Control

As AI RP has become more widespread, so too has the demand for privacy and personal autonomy. This has led to the emergence of "local LLMs" and self-hosted AI options. Various "AI-as-a-Service" services have emerged to address this need.

Projects like Kobold AI and implementations of Llama.cpp have made it possible for users to utilize powerful language models on their local machines. This "self-hosted model" approach attracts those worried about data privacy or those who simply enjoy tinkering with AI systems.

Various tools have grown in favor as intuitive options for deploying local models, including impressive 70B parameter versions. These larger models, while processing-heavy, offer superior results for intricate RP scenarios.

Pushing Boundaries and Venturing into New Frontiers

The AI RP community is recognized for its creativity and determination to break new ground. Tools check here like Neural Path Optimization allow for fine-grained control over AI outputs, potentially leading to more adaptable and spontaneous characters.

Some users seek out "abiliterated" or "obliterated" models, striving for maximum creative freedom. However, this raises ongoing moral discussions within the community.

Focused platforms have emerged to address specific niches or provide unique approaches to AI interaction, often with a focus on "no logging" policies. Companies like recursal.ai and featherless.ai are among those exploring innovative approaches in this space.

The Future of AI RP

As we envision the future, several trends are becoming apparent:

Growing focus on local and private AI solutions
Advancement of more capable and streamlined models (e.g., speculated LLaMA-3)
Investigation of novel techniques like "eternal memory" for preserving long-term context
Fusion of AI with other technologies (VR, voice synthesis) for more engaging experiences
Entities like Lumimaid hint at the prospect for AI to create entire fictional worlds and elaborate narratives.

The AI RP domain remains a crucible of advancement, with groups like Backyard AI expanding the limits of what's attainable. As GPU technology advances and techniques like neural compression improve efficiency, we can expect even more remarkable AI RP experiences in the not-so-distant tomorrow.

Whether you're a occasional storyteller or a passionate "quant" working on the next innovation in AI, the domain of AI-powered RP offers endless possibilities for imagination and adventure.