The Evolution 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 started as experimental ventures with primitive AI has developed into a dynamic landscape of tools, services, and enthusiasts. This piece investigates the current landscape of AI RP, from widely-used tools to groundbreaking techniques.

The Rise of AI RP Platforms

Various services 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 mature ERP (intimate character interactions) scenarios. Characters like Stheno, or user-generated entities like Midnight Miqu have become fan favorites.

Meanwhile, other platforms have grown in popularity for distributing and circulating "character cards" – pre-made AI personalities that users can interact with. The IkariDev community has been especially active in crafting and spreading these cards.

Breakthroughs in Language Models

The rapid development of advanced AI systems (LLMs) has been a crucial factor of AI RP's expansion. Models like LLaMA CPP and the fabled "HyperVerbal" (a hypothetical future model) highlight the increasing capabilities of AI in generating coherent and situationally appropriate responses.

Model customization has become a essential technique for tailoring these models to particular RP scenarios or character personalities. This method allows for more sophisticated and reliable interactions.

The Drive for Privacy and Control

As AI RP has become more widespread, so too has the need for data privacy and individual oversight. This has led to the development of "user-owned language processors" and local hosting solutions. Various "LLM hosting" services have sprung up to satisfy this need.

Endeavors like NeverSleep and implementations of NeuralCore.cpp have made it feasible for users to run powerful language models on their own hardware. This "local LLM" approach resonates with those focused on data privacy or those who simply appreciate experimenting with AI systems.

Various tools have gained popularity as user-friendly options for managing local models, including advanced 70B parameter versions. These more complex models, while computationally intensive, offer enhanced capabilities for elaborate RP scenarios.

Exploring Limits and Investigating New Frontiers

The AI RP community is known for its inventiveness and eagerness to challenge limits. Tools like Orthogonal Activation Steering allow for detailed adjustment 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.

Specialized 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:

Growing focus on on-device and confidential AI solutions
Creation of more capable and optimized models (e.g., speculated 70B models)
Investigation of innovative techniques like "perpetual context" for preserving long-term context
Integration of AI with other technologies (VR, voice synthesis) for more immersive experiences
Characters like Poppy Porpoise hint at the potential for AI to generate entire fictional worlds and expansive narratives.

The AI RP space remains a hotbed of advancement, with collectives like Backyard AI read more redefining the possibilities of what's achievable. As GPU technology evolves 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 "neural engineer" working on the next discovery in AI, the world of AI-powered RP offers infinite opportunities for creativity and exploration.