It Sounds like a Nightmare, but ChatGPT in Arma 3 is Quite Impressive
It's not likely that anyone will mistake talking NPCs from the mod for Arma III for actors (and people in general), but the fan project is another example of an interesting use of AI.
AI-based tools have gained considerable fame in recent times. Mostly as an aid in "joyful Internet creations" but AI is also a subject of interest for numerous developers and gamers as means to breathe more life into virtual worlds. Examples include fan projects for Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord and Skyrim and a similar initiative in Arma III, which is expected to enable players to chat with NPCs.
DCO GPT is a modification developed by Norwegian modders active on Steam: YipMan and Tally. The assumptions of the project are identical to those of the aforementioned Inworld AI - Calradia. Each NPC in Arma 3 can have conversations with the player based on their "profile" using the popular GPT Chat algorithm.
- This data takes into account marital status, rank, specialty, age, religion, party, etc., but also character traits. For example, an extrovert not only gives longer answers than an introvert, but also asks questions to keep the conversation going.
- NPCs can also gain knowledge of the current situation and know what mission they have been given and whether they or the player character is injured.
Of course, the project is still at an early stage. For now, the modders have prepared about a thousand ready-made "profiles," and the AI has a limited range of conversation topics. The creators plan to add separate "knowledge modules" for each party and a function for responding to voice statements instead of text (or threats or even pointing a gun), as well as more voice variants and to provide more fluidity of speech to the artificial intelligence.
The latter could be a key issue, as currently talking NPCs are unlikely to impress anyone with their oratorical talents. In fact, it could be argued that they could use the help of a speech therapist to stop clearly separating each word. Don't expect too much life in their questions, either.
The creators are aware of the crude state of the project. For now DCO GPT is more of a proof of concept, and as such it clearly appealed to Internet users. The modders primarily want to gather player feedback and are looking for people to help with the project (and a way to pay for their work).
Time will tell if and how DCO GPT will develop in the future.
