It’s clear that generative AIs can aid in the creation of graphics, but what about generating an entire game? An IT University of Copenhagen team has created MarioGPT, a generative AI that creates old-school Mario levels. Users can create infinite Mario levels with inputs specifying the number of pipes, enemies and blocks. The creators recently shared a GitHub and a paper detailing how the AI works.
MarioGPT combines generative AI technology with procedural content generation tech to create various levels. The Large Language Model (LLM) includes novelty search, a diversity-seeking algorithm to allow for the continual creation of unique levels.
“The combination of LLMs with algorithms such as novelty search opens up many interesting new directions for future research,” states the team in its paper. “We hope our work opens the door to more flexible and controllable PCG methods that can generate infinite content that is complex, diverse, and functional.”
Is AI the future of game design?
The 2D levels created by the LLM are basic compared to the environments found in AAA games today. However, it’s still quite an impressive feat for a generative AI especially considering that 85 per cent of the levels it generates are playable. Clearly, generative AIs may one day have a significant impact on the gaming industry.
In the future, game developers could use it to generate most of a game’s levels after creating the necessary assets. Of course, some human tweaking would likely be needed, but the prospect is still enticing. Generative AIs are already capable of creating game graphics. In fact, Scenario is a new generative AI that game developers can train on any game style to generate graphics and concept art.
The team behind MarioGPT has made the level-generating AI available online for anyone to try. It seems like a great way to pass the time while awaiting the release of The Super Mario Bros. Movie…
Jack Brassell is a freelance journalist and aspiring novelist. Jack is a self-proclaimed nerd with a lifelong passion for storytelling. As an author, Jack writes mostly horror and young adult fantasy. Also an avid gamer, she works as the lead news editor at Hardcore Droid. When she isn't writing or playing games, she can often be found binge-watching Parks & Rec or The Office, proudly considering herself to be a cross between Leslie Knope and Pam Beasley.