Game AI
Game AI refers to the technology that makes characters and elements in video games behave intelligently and realistically. It's like creating the "brain" that controls how computer-controlled characters act, make decisions, and respond to players. This could include making enemies find clever ways to challenge players, helping friendly characters act naturally, or creating realistic crowd behaviors in game cities. Game AI is different from general artificial intelligence - it's specifically designed to make games more fun and engaging, not to solve real-world problems. When you see characters in games making decisions, finding paths around obstacles, or adapting to player actions, that's Game AI at work.
Examples in Resumes
Developed Game AI systems for enemy behavior in action games
Created advanced Game AI for non-player characters in open-world games
Implemented Game AI pathfinding and decision-making systems for strategy games
Designed Game Artificial Intelligence systems for realistic NPC behaviors
Typical job title: "Game AI Developers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Game AI Developers
Online Communities
Professional Networks
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you design an AI system for a large open-world game with multiple types of characters?
Expected Answer: Should explain how to create scalable systems that can handle different character types, optimize performance, and create believable behaviors that enhance gameplay without being too predictable or resource-intensive.
Q: What strategies would you use to balance AI difficulty in a competitive game?
Expected Answer: Should discuss creating adjustable difficulty levels, implementing learning curves, and ensuring AI remains challenging but fair while avoiding frustrating players.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How would you implement pathfinding for a group of characters in a game?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic concepts of making characters find their way around obstacles while moving naturally and avoiding collisions with other characters.
Q: Describe how you would create AI for different personality types in game characters.
Expected Answer: Should discuss creating variable behaviors, decision-making systems, and how to make characters feel unique and consistent in their actions.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is a state machine and how is it used in Game AI?
Expected Answer: Should explain in simple terms how game characters can have different states (like patrol, chase, attack) and switch between them based on game conditions.
Q: How would you make an AI character follow the player?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic movement and tracking systems, explaining how to make a character move toward a target while avoiding obvious obstacles.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic character behavior programming
- Simple pathfinding implementation
- Understanding of game engines
- Basic state machine implementation
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex behavior systems
- Group movement and coordination
- Performance optimization
- Decision-making systems
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced AI architecture design
- Machine learning integration
- Team leadership
- Complex game systems optimization
Red Flags to Watch For
- No practical experience with game development
- Lack of understanding of game performance requirements
- No knowledge of common game engines
- Unable to explain basic character behavior concepts
