Since the release of Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) by Hasbro in 1974, the role-playing game has become one of the most popular tabletop games in the world. Over the years, Hasbro has gradually updated the game and developed new innovations to keep up with the changing times. Now, it looks like the company may be eyeing artificial intelligence (AI) as the next step in making D&D even more immersive and realistic.
In 2019, a Hasbro subsidiary filed a patent for an AI-powered game system for use in tabletop games. Although the patent mentions D&D by name, it is unclear what the AI would be used for exactly. Some have speculated that it could be used to add higher levels of sophistication and detail to the game, such as enhanced artificial characters with complex motivations. Currently, the game relies heavily on the imagination of the players to bring the world to life, and this system could provide a much more detailed and immersive experience.
AI could also be used to create dynamic changes within a campaign, based on the player’s decisions. For instance, NPCs (non-player characters) could respond differently depending on player choices, leading to unforeseen adventures and unpredictable story arcs. AI could also be used to create more unique monsters and encounters that sense and respond to the players’ actions, creating a more challenging and realistic experience.
The potential applications for AI in D&D are endless and Hasbro may still be figuring out how best to utilize the technology. But if Hasbro hopes to stay ahead of the competition and continue to delight its fan base, the company will need to be innovative and make sure that any new AI-powered system fits well with the game’s well-established rules and principles.
For now, it remains to be seen exactly how Hasbro will approach integrating AI into D&D or if the company will do so at all. It’s an exciting prospect, nonetheless, and could take the game to a whole new level of immersive gaming.
