The Evolution of AI-Enabled Interactive Storytelling: From Fimbulvetr to Next-Gen Language Models

In the past decade, the domain of AI-driven character interaction (RP) has undergone a significant evolution. What originated as fringe projects with early language models has grown into a thriving community of applications, platforms, and user groups. This overview examines the existing environment of AI RP, from widely-used tools to groundbreaking techniques.

The Rise of AI RP Platforms

Various services have come to prominence as popular centers for AI-enhanced fiction writing and character interaction. These allow users to experience both traditional RP and more mature ERP (erotic role-play) scenarios. Personas like Euryvale, or custom personalities like Lumimaid have become community darlings.

Meanwhile, other services have gained traction for hosting and circulating "character cards" – customizable AI entities that users can engage. The Chaotic Soliloquy community has been particularly active in crafting and distributing these cards.

Advancements in Language Models

The accelerated evolution of large language models (LLMs) has been a primary catalyst of AI RP's expansion. Models like LLaMA-3 and the mythical "HyperVerbal" (a theoretical future model) showcase the expanding prowess of AI in producing logical and environmentally cognizant responses.

Fine-tuning has become a vital technique for adjusting these models to unique RP scenarios or character personalities. This approach allows for more refined and stable interactions.

The Movement for Privacy and Control

As AI RP has gained mainstream appeal, so too has the need for data privacy and individual oversight. This has led to the here development of "user-owned language processors" and local hosting solutions. Various "LLM hosting" services have been created to satisfy this need.

Endeavors like Undi and implementations of NeuralCore.cpp have made it feasible for users to run powerful language models on their own hardware. This "local LLM" approach resonates with those focused on data privacy or those who simply appreciate experimenting with AI systems.

Various tools have gained popularity as user-friendly options for managing local models, including advanced 70B parameter versions. These more complex models, while GPU-demanding, offer enhanced capabilities for elaborate RP scenarios.

Breaking New Ground and Investigating New Frontiers

The AI RP community is known for its inventiveness and eagerness to challenge limits. Tools like Orthogonal Activation Steering allow for detailed adjustment over AI outputs, potentially leading to more versatile and unpredictable characters.

Some users search for "abiliterated" or "obliterated" models, targeting maximum creative freedom. However, this sparks ongoing ethical debates within the community.

Focused services have emerged to address specific niches or provide alternative approaches to AI interaction, often with a focus on "data protection" policies. Companies like recursal.ai and featherless.ai are among those exploring innovative approaches in this space.

The Future of AI RP

As we anticipate the future, several patterns are taking shape:

Increased focus on on-device and confidential AI solutions
Development of more sophisticated and optimized models (e.g., anticipated 70B models)
Research of innovative techniques like "perpetual context" for preserving long-term context
Combination of AI with other technologies (VR, voice synthesis) for more immersive experiences
Characters like Poppy Porpoise hint at the prospect for AI to generate entire virtual universes and intricate narratives.

The AI RP domain remains a crucible of innovation, with communities like Backyard AI redefining the possibilities of what's attainable. As GPU technology progresses and techniques like neural compression boost capabilities, we can expect even more impressive AI RP experiences in the coming years.

Whether you're a curious explorer or a dedicated "AI researcher" working on the next discovery in AI, the world of AI-powered RP offers limitless potential for innovation and adventure.