Automating Everything - Computer Gaming – The Human Touch, Automated - Part 9

1

Computer games could also use this technique of augmenting software actions through human oversight. Motion-capture technology already potentially allows human players and actors to portray characters (or avatars) within an online game. Because it is much harder for a computer to find a meaningful much less believable response to ordinary conversation, there are advantages to having an actor play key characters at least during the climax of a story arc. To do that, an actor could wear their motion-capture₁ and VR gear₂ and be prepared to respond to characters arriving at a key scene in the game storyline, to an attack by characters or simply to act and speak in character when attacking them. 

2

When triggered by a keyword₃, player action₄, story event₅ or other trigger indicating the game character will be getting involved enough to justify a live actor’s support, one of the available actors on standby will be tapped to receive input from the character’s perspective and to use their face as the model to supply expressions to that character avatar. In games where players play pre-set characters, the actor will be familiar with their backgrounds and will have some pre-written comments and monologues to serve as guides or inspiration for their interactions. Of course, the more talented an actor is at handling spontaneous events and working extemporaneously, the better.

None of the triggers need be particularly complicated, either. A case in point:

**Fight!** 3

**You Have Now Entered the Hall of the Dragon King** 4

**Achievement Unlocked – SuperSaiyan Ascension** 5

Part 1
Part 8
Part 10