July 26, 2008: "Videogames getting minds of their own"

Videogames getting minds of their own

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Videogames are getting smarter with virtual enemies improvising during battles, storylines shifting based on moral choices and in-game characters sending players text messages for help.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the whole idea that computers can actually think and have personalities. Now at a basic level this is a pretty cool idea. But when things get too advanced, this idea can start to be a little freaky. It seems that everyday new advanced are made that makes computers faster and smarter. They have begun to resemble human thoughts and motions. I am talking about programs in games, not actual robots. Some new games are rumored to be able to contact the real life player through email and text message.

America is already the second most obese nation in the entire world. (Australia is first, check out my previous article HERE) I have no problem with the advances in the videogame world. But I do think that two things should always exist when it comes to videogames. 1) A clear line between the virtual world and reality 2) The virtual world should never come before needed physical exercise. Now it is up to the player to make sure that number two remains true. But I feel that video game creators should never allow their games to interact with players, unless they are playing the game at the time. If the player wanted to be part of the game at the time, they would be playing the game.

No one wants to receive a text from their boss when they are already headed home from work.

Thank you Glenn Chapman and Yahoo News