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

In recent years, the world of AI-assisted storytelling (RP) has undergone a remarkable shift. What began as experimental ventures with early language models has grown into a vibrant ecosystem of platforms, services, and enthusiasts. This article explores the existing environment of AI RP, from popular platforms to cutting-edge techniques.

The Emergence of AI RP Platforms

Various services have come to prominence as well-liked hubs for AI-powered narrative creation and immersive storytelling. These allow users to experience both traditional RP and more mature ERP (intimate character interactions) scenarios. Avatars like Noromaid, or original creations like Lumimaid have become fan favorites.

Meanwhile, other platforms have gained traction for hosting and circulating "character cards" – pre-made AI personalities that users can converse with. The Backyard AI community has been notably active in crafting and distributing these cards.

Innovations in Language Models

The rapid development of large language models (LLMs) has been a key driver of AI RP's growth. Models like LLaMA CPP and the fabled "OmniLingua" (a theoretical future model) showcase the increasing capabilities of AI in creating consistent and situationally appropriate responses.

Fine-tuning has become a vital technique for tailoring these models to specific RP scenarios or character personalities. This approach allows for more nuanced and reliable interactions.

The Push for Privacy and Control

As AI RP has gained mainstream appeal, so too has the call for data privacy and personal autonomy. This has led to the development of "local LLMs" and self-hosted AI options. Various "Model Deployment" services have sprung up to satisfy this need.

Projects like Undi and implementations of CogniScript.cpp have made it possible for users to operate powerful language models on their own hardware. This "on-device AI" approach resonates with those concerned about data privacy or those who simply appreciate customizing AI systems.

Various tools have gained popularity as accessible options for managing local models, including advanced 70B parameter versions. These larger models, while GPU-demanding, offer superior results for elaborate RP scenarios.

Pushing Boundaries and Exploring New Frontiers

The AI RP community is recognized for its innovation and determination to break new ground. Tools like Orthogonal Activation Steering allow for fine-grained control over AI outputs, potentially leading to more versatile and spontaneous characters.

Some users pursue "unrestricted" or "enhanced" models, striving for maximum creative freedom. However, this sparks ongoing moral discussions within the community.

Niche services have appeared to serve specific niches or provide unique approaches to AI interaction, often with a focus on "no logging" policies. Companies like recursal.ai and featherless.ai are among those exploring innovative approaches in this space.

The Future of AI RP

As we look to the future, several trends are emerging:

Heightened focus on on-device and confidential AI solutions
Advancement of more powerful and efficient models (e.g., anticipated Quants)
Investigation of innovative techniques like "neversleep" for maintaining long-term context
Fusion of AI with other technologies (VR, click here voice synthesis) for more engaging experiences
Characters like Poppy Porpoise hint at the prospect for AI to create entire fictional worlds and intricate narratives.

The AI RP field remains a hotbed of innovation, with collectives like Chaotic Soliloquy pushing the boundaries of what's attainable. As GPU technology advances and techniques like cognitive optimization enhance performance, we can expect even more astounding AI RP experiences in the near future.

Whether you're a curious explorer or a dedicated "neural engineer" working on the next breakthrough in AI, the domain of AI-powered RP offers endless possibilities for innovation and exploration.