Reported industry leaks show that Rockstar may be working on something next-gen for their upcoming titles. Based on the patent information, this new technology will focus on improving the capabilities, reactions, and other decision-based processes of NPCs through revamped artificial intelligence. Registered under Take-Two Interactive, the patent was described as “a system and method for virtual navigation in a gaming environment," and was filed in October 2020.
As the publishers behind some of the liveliest open-worlds in gaming, Take-Two Interactive is known to invest a lot of research and development into virtual AI systems for NPCs. As seen in titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 and GTA Online , their game worlds are filled with NPCs performing all sorts of activities – from walking around to riding cars or horses. With this new technology, it’s possible that we’ll be seeing even more nuanced and realistic game environments in one or more of their upcoming titles.
According to Take-Two, their current NPC systems don’t offer enough to provide the level of realism and immersion demanded by today’s gamers. With that in mind, the company is redoubling its efforts to produce systems that help create realistic virtual worlds, which are unhindered by limitations on software or player hardware.
That said, most of the fuss regarding this software is pure speculation. Take-Two Interactive has kept any current development projects under wrap, but chances are, we’ll be seeing this new technology soon enough – either in the next installment to the celebrated GTA franchise, a new Red Dead Redemption title, or a new IP entirely.
What do you think about the new Rockstar patent aimed at improving AI for NPCs? What kind of features and improvements do you hope to see, compared to the publisher’s current titles? Let us know what you think in the comments section below! And if you want to stay up-to-date on the latest news on the greatest gaming titles, check back with us again soon.
