Matrix Games Forums

For the next iteration of the game (AB2), I would like if we could mod the AI.

Currently we are not working on AI scripting features, so it is not likely it will be in the sequel, at least not in the initial release.

Once we add new features, we might start planning for scripting, although I guess there will a lot of debate if concentrating on that or on multiplayer.

If I had to choose between the two I would rather pick multiplayer mode myself.

Over the last year, we have released a whole array of scenario building tools and yet there seems to have been little response from the community in terms of fresh content. Maybe the situation would have been different if those tools were available when the game was just released, or maybe not.

Bearing that in mind, would the AI scripting make the game much more popular? It is a fairly work-intensive addition from both developers point of view (new layer for proper scripting, full-fledged editor, integration etc.) and the content creator himself (many were deterred from starting or finishing their projects in current game simply due to the the sheer level of detail needed).

ORIGINAL: nikolas93TS

would the AI scripting make the game much more popular?

No I don't think so. I just mentioned just in case

On the other hand, AI scripting might be the only realistic way to implement more advanced engineering operations and bridging.

That might be appealing to some grognards, but primarily it might open possibilities for military clients.

ORIGINAL: nikolas93TS

On the other hand, AI scripting might be the only realistic way to implement more advanced engineering operations and bridging.

That might be appealing to some grognards, but primarily it might open possibilities for military clients.

The most authentic wargames resembling tactical situations you´re dealing with in real OTS or training center are scripted AI or handmade scenarios/campaigns of games such as the Combat Mission series or the handmade campaigns of WINSPMBT.

Don´t get me wrong the independent AI of Armoured Brigade is not that bad but no matter how good it can´t keep up with a real commander or in other words with a real human being that invested time into designing a believeable scenario and positioning and instructing its units (scripts). So these engagements relying solely on AI or random-only routines will never be as realistic as the hybrid or handmade solutions.

I am somewhat concerned to read that AI scripting is not planned for the release of the ab successor as I aswell believe a major reason why nobody utilized the additional scenario editor features is because they came to late.

I believe having this options on release would be very important. Together with a "showcase" i. e. a main campaign that is employing the techniques would definitely attract campaign makers when executed well.

Nothing is yet set is stone, but we are wary of announcing some features in this very early stage.

ORIGINAL: nikolas93TS

Nothing is yet set is stone, but we are wary of announcing some features in this very early stage.

Which is perfectly fine, I am arleady excited to see with what interesting ideas you will come up in your next project

ORIGINAL: nikolas93TS

more advanced engineering operations and bridging

Thank goodness these have not been forgotten.

Tough call, but multiplayer should go first. I think there is more bang for the buck with that. No expert, but there might be existing development tools that could help. Scripted AI might have to be in-house development from the ground up.

ORIGINAL: nikolas93TS

Over the last year, we have released a whole array of scenario building tools and yet there seems to have been little response from the community in terms of fresh content. Maybe the situation would have been different if those tools were available when the game was just released, or maybe not.

It seems almost all people that are releasing content are ones that post on forums. I assume most of content created is people creating scenarios for themselves and not released due to not having military knowledge to design scenarios worth sharing with others and other factors. I'm pretty much making a new scenario for almost every game of AB I play.

Another issue might be that the cold war never turned hot in Europe so there are no historical battles to design off of. (Fortunately) But that does not explain the content designed and posted for CM black sea and shock force. Maybe designers just like the CM editor. I would imagine least some CM players purchased AB partly with the intention of scenario designing.

AB and CM are not directly comparable as the latter depends on scripted AI for single player experience (which is statistically still a major portion), has a drastically larger player base and many more years under the belt.

As to how much things have changed in the last year, there is a lot of unexpected modding effort over the last few months. And we even implemented Lua scripts for the sequel.