The Progression of AI-Powered Interactive Storytelling: From Ancient Myths to Local 70B Models

In the last few years, the domain of AI-driven character interaction (RP) has experienced a significant evolution. What began as experimental ventures with early language models has developed into a vibrant ecosystem of applications, platforms, and user groups. This overview examines the existing environment of AI RP, from popular platforms to innovative techniques.

The Growth of AI RP Platforms

Various platforms have come to prominence as popular centers for AI-enhanced fiction writing and role-play. These allow users to participate in both conventional storytelling and more adult-oriented ERP (intimate character interactions) scenarios. Characters like Euryvale, or custom personalities like Lumimaid have become fan favorites.

Meanwhile, other websites have gained traction for hosting and exchanging "character cards" – ready-to-use digital personas that users can converse with. The Chaotic Soliloquy community has been particularly active in designing and distributing these cards.

Innovations in Language Models

The accelerated progression of large language models (LLMs) has been a key driver of AI RP's growth. Models like LLaMA-3 and the legendary "OmniLingua" (a theoretical future model) demonstrate the growing potential of AI in producing consistent and situationally appropriate responses.

AI personalization has become a vital technique for adjusting these models to unique RP scenarios or character personalities. This approach allows for more refined and reliable interactions.

The Drive for Privacy and Control

As AI RP has gained mainstream appeal, so too has the need for data privacy and personal autonomy. This has led to the emergence of "local LLMs" and self-hosted AI options. Various "AI-as-a-Service" services have emerged to meet this need.

Projects like Kobold AI and implementations of CogniScript.cpp have made it achievable for users to utilize powerful language models on their personal devices. This "on-device AI" approach attracts those concerned about data privacy or those who simply enjoy customizing AI systems.

Various tools have grown in favor as accessible options for running local models, including impressive 70B parameter versions. These more sophisticated models, while processing-heavy, offer improved performance for complex RP scenarios.

Pushing Boundaries and Venturing into New Frontiers

The AI RP community is recognized for its creativity and determination to break new ground. Tools like Neural Path Optimization here allow for fine-grained control over AI outputs, potentially leading to more adaptable and spontaneous characters.

Some users seek out "abiliterated" or "enhanced" models, aiming for maximum creative freedom. However, this provokes ongoing moral discussions within the community.

Focused services have emerged to address specific niches or provide unique 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 trends are becoming apparent:

Increased focus on on-device and confidential AI solutions
Creation of more sophisticated and optimized models (e.g., anticipated 70B models)
Research of novel techniques like "eternal memory" for maintaining long-term context
Fusion of AI with other technologies (VR, voice synthesis) for more immersive experiences
Entities like Poppy Porpoise hint at the possibility for AI to generate entire imaginary realms and intricate narratives.

The AI RP space remains a nexus of innovation, with groups like Backyard AI expanding the limits of what's attainable. As GPU technology advances 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 infinite opportunities for creativity and discovery.