Abstract-Video game content includes the levels, models, items, weapons, and other objects encountered and wielded by players during the game. In most modern video games, the set of content shipped with the game is static and unchanging, or at best, randomized within a narrow set of parameters. However, ideally, if game content could be constantly renewed, players would remain engaged longer in the evolving stream of novel content. To realize this ambition, this paper introduces the content-generating NeuroEvolution of Augmenting Topologies (cgNEAT) algorithm, which automatically evolves game content based on player preferences, as the game is played. To demonstrate this approach, the Galactic Arms Race (GAR) video game is also introduced. In GAR, players pilot space ships and fight enemies to acquire unique particle system weapons that are evolved by the game. As shown in this paper, players can discover a wide variety of content that is not only novel, but also based on and extended from previous content that they preferred in the past. The implication is that it is now possible to create games that generate their own content to satisfy players, potentially significantly reducing the cost of content creation and increasing the replay value of games.

Abstract-Simulation and game content includes the levels, models, textures, items, and other objects encountered and possessed by players during the game. In most modern video games and in simulation software, the set of content shipped with the product is static and unchanging, or at best, randomized within a narrow set of parameters. However, ideally, if game content could be constantly and automatically renewed, players would remain engaged longer. This paper introduces two novel technologies that take steps toward achieving this ambition: (1) A new algorithm called content-generating NeuroEvolution of Augmenting Topologies (cgNEAT) is introduced that automatically generates graphical and game content while the game is played, based on the past preferences of the players, and (2) Galactic Arms Race (GAR), a multiplayer video game, is constructed to demonstrate automatic content generation in a real online gaming platform. In GAR, which is available to the public and playable online, players pilot space ships and fight enemies to acquire unique particle system weapons that are automatically evolved by the cgNEAT algorithm. A study of the behavior and results from over 1,000 registered online players shows that cgNEAT indeed enables players to discover a wide variety of appealing content that is not only novel, but also based on and extended from previous content that they preferred in the past. Thus GAR is the first demonstration of evolutionary content generation in an online multiplayer game. The implication is that with cgNEAT it is now possible to create applications that generate their own content to satisfy users, potentially reducing the cost of content creation and increasing entertainment value from single player to massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs) with a constant stream of evolving content.

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Abstract-Interactive Evolutionary Computation (IEC) creates the intriguing possibility that a large variety of useful content can be produced quickly and easily for practical computer graphics and gaming applications. To show that IEC can produce such content, this paper applies IEC to particle system effects, which are the de facto method in computer graphics for generating fire, smoke, explosions, electricity, water, and many other special effects. While particle systems are capable of producing a broad array of effects, they require substantial mathematical and programming knowledge to produce. Therefore, efficient particle system generation tools are required for content developers to produce special effects in a timely manner. This paper details the design, representation, and animation of particle systems via two IEC tools called NEAT Particles and NEAT Projectiles. Both tools evolve artificial neural networks (ANN) with the NeuroEvolution of Augmenting Topologies (NEAT) method to control the behavior of particles. NEAT Particles evolves general-purpose particle effects, whereas NEAT Projectiles specializes in evolving particle weapon effects for video games. The primary advantage of this NEAT-based IEC approach is to decouple the creation of new effects from mathematics and programming, enabling content developers without programming knowledge to produce complex effects. Furthermore, it allows content designers to produce a broader range of effects than typical development tools. Finally, it acts as a concept generator, allowing content creators to interactively and efficiently explore the space of possible effects. Both NEAT Particles and NEAT Projectiles demonstrate how IEC can evolve useful content for graphical media and games, and are together a step toward the larger goal of automated content generation.

In most modern video games, content (e.g. models, levels, weapons, etc.) shipped with the game is static and unchanging, or at best, randomized within a narrow set of parameters. However, if game content could be constantly renewed, players would remain engaged longer. To realize this ambition, the content-generating NeuroEvolution of Augmenting Topologies (cgNEAT) algorithm automatically evolves novel game content based on player preferences, as the game is played. To demonstrate this approach, the Galactic Arms Race (GAR) video game, which incorporates cgNEAT, will be presented. In GAR, players pilot space ships and fight enemies to acquire novel particle system weapons that are evolved by the game. The live demo will show how GAR players can discover a wide variety of weapons that are not only novel, but also based on and extended from previous content that they preferred in the past. The implication of cgNEAT is that it is now possible to create games that generate their own content, potentially significantly reducing the cost of content creation and increasing the replay value of games.