In the past decade, the realm of AI-driven character interaction (RP) has undergone a remarkable shift. What began as niche experiments with first-generation chatbots has developed into a vibrant ecosystem of platforms, services, and user groups. This piece examines the present state of AI RP, from user favorites to groundbreaking techniques.

The Rise of AI RP Platforms

Various platforms have emerged as well-liked focal points for AI-enhanced fiction writing and immersive storytelling. These allow users to experience both conventional storytelling and more risqué ERP (erotic role-play) scenarios. Avatars like Noromaid, or user-generated entities like Poppy Porpoise have become fan favorites.

Meanwhile, other platforms have become increasingly favored for distributing and exchanging "character cards" – pre-made AI personalities that users can converse with. The Backyard AI community has been especially active in creating and spreading these cards.

Innovations in Language Models

The rapid evolution of large language models (LLMs) has been a crucial factor of AI RP's proliferation. Models like Llama.cpp and the fabled "Mythomax" (a hypothetical future model) showcase the growing potential of AI in creating coherent and environmentally cognizant responses.

Fine-tuning has become a essential technique for adjusting these models to specific RP scenarios or character personalities. This method allows for more refined and consistent interactions.

The Drive for Privacy and Control

As AI RP has gained mainstream appeal, so too has the demand for confidentiality and personal autonomy. This has led to the development of "private LLMs" and local hosting solutions. Various "AI-as-a-Service" services have emerged to satisfy this need.

Projects like Kobold AI and implementations of NeuralCore.cpp have made it feasible for users to utilize powerful language models on their local machines. This "local LLM" approach appeals to those worried about data privacy or those who simply appreciate customizing AI systems.

Various tools have grown in favor as user-friendly options for running local models, including impressive 70B parameter versions. These larger models, while GPU-demanding, offer improved performance for intricate RP scenarios.

Breaking New Ground and Venturing into New Frontiers

The AI RP community is celebrated for its inventiveness and determination to break new ground. Tools like Cognitive Vector Control allow for detailed adjustment over AI outputs, potentially leading to more adaptable and surprising characters.

Some users search for "abiliterated" or "augmented" models, striving for maximum creative freedom. However, this sparks ongoing moral discussions within the community.

Niche platforms have emerged to cater to specific niches or provide novel 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 envision the future, several developments are taking shape:

Increased focus on local and private AI solutions
Advancement of more capable and optimized models (e.g., rumored Quants)
Research of innovative techniques like "neversleep" for sustaining long-term context
Combination of AI with other technologies (VR, voice synthesis) for more engaging experiences
Characters like Euryvale hint at the possibility for AI to generate entire virtual universes and elaborate narratives.

The AI RP space remains a nexus of invention, with communities like Backyard AI expanding the limits of what's possible. As GPU technology evolves and techniques like neural compression improve efficiency, we can expect even more astounding AI RP experiences here in the coming years.

Whether you're a casual role-player or a passionate "AI researcher" working on the next breakthrough in AI, the domain of AI-powered RP offers limitless potential for creativity and discovery.