The Progression of AI-Powered Character Simulation: From Fimbulvetr to Next-Gen Language Models

In the last few years, the domain of AI-powered role-playing (RP) has undergone a remarkable shift. What started as fringe projects with primitive AI has blossomed into a dynamic landscape of platforms, platforms, and user groups. This article investigates the present state of AI RP, from popular platforms to groundbreaking techniques.

The Emergence of AI RP Platforms

Various tools have risen as popular centers for AI-powered narrative creation and role-play. These allow users to participate in both traditional RP and more mature ERP (sensual storytelling) scenarios. Avatars like Euryvale, or custom personalities like Poppy Porpoise have become popular choices.

Meanwhile, other platforms 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 designing and spreading these cards.

Advancements in Language Models

The swift progression of large language models (LLMs) has been a crucial factor of AI RP's proliferation. Models like LLaMA-3 and the legendary "HyperVerbal" (a speculative future model) demonstrate the growing potential of AI in creating coherent and context-aware responses.

Model customization has become a essential technique for adjusting these models to unique RP scenarios or character personalities. This approach allows for more refined and consistent interactions.

The Push for Privacy and Control

As AI RP has grown in popularity, so too has the demand for confidentiality and personal autonomy. This has led to the emergence of "local LLMs" and on-premise model deployment. Various "LLM hosting" services have sprung up to meet this need.

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

Various tools have become widely adopted as user-friendly options for running local models, including impressive 70B parameter versions. These more sophisticated models, while processing-heavy, offer superior results for intricate RP scenarios.

Exploring Limits and Exploring New Frontiers

The AI RP community is known for its inventiveness and eagerness to challenge limits. Tools like Orthogonal Activation Steering allow for fine-grained control over AI outputs, potentially leading to more adaptable and surprising characters.

Some users pursue "uncensored" or "augmented" models, targeting maximum creative freedom. However, this sparks ongoing ethical debates within the community.

Focused services 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 developments are emerging:

Heightened focus on self-hosted and secure AI solutions
Development of more sophisticated and optimized models (e.g., anticipated 70B models)
Exploration of groundbreaking techniques like "neversleep" for sustaining long-term horde context
Combination of AI with other technologies (VR, voice synthesis) for more lifelike experiences
Personas like Euryvale hint at the possibility for AI to generate entire imaginary realms and expansive narratives.

The AI RP field remains a hotbed of invention, with communities like Chaotic Soliloquy pushing the boundaries of what's achievable. As GPU technology evolves and techniques like neural compression boost capabilities, we can expect even more impressive AI RP experiences in the not-so-distant tomorrow.

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