Artificial Intelligence in Video Games 101: An Easy Introduction

This paper offers an easy introduction of Video Game Artificial intelligence (VGAI), i.e. the set of computational techniques embedded inside Non-Playable Characters (NPCs) that populate a video game and simulates the idea of playing against rational individuals. The two main pillars of VGAI will be briefly presented, namely pathfinding and decision-making, alongside an introduction and an explanation of the difference between academic AI research and video game AI. In summary, this paper delivers a solid but easy-to-understand introductory guide to this interesting and long-running research and industrial field without sacrificing mathematical formalism but not going into every detail, as the most industry-used books and academic references will be provided.