Valve Engineer Uses ChatGPT to Improve Deadlock's Matchmaking Algorithm

3 Sources

Valve engineer Fletcher Dunn reveals how ChatGPT helped find an efficient matchmaking algorithm for their new multiplayer shooter, Deadlock. This highlights the growing use of AI tools in game development.

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Valve's New Game Deadlock

Valve, the renowned game developer, is currently working on a new multiplayer shooter called Deadlock 1. The game, still in early development, blends elements from hero-shooters like Team Fortress 2 and Overwatch with lane-based action reminiscent of MOBAs such as DOTA 2. Despite its early stage, Deadlock has already gained significant popularity on Steam.

ChatGPT's Role in Game Development

Fletcher Dunn, a veteran Valve engineer, has been utilizing ChatGPT, an AI language model, as an advanced search engine to solve complex problems in game development 2. Dunn recently shared on social media that ChatGPT played a crucial role in finding an efficient matchmaking algorithm for Deadlock.

The Hungarian Algorithm Implementation

Dunn described a hypothetical matchmaking algorithm to ChatGPT, which promptly recommended the Hungarian algorithm 3. This algorithm has since been implemented in Deadlock's matchmaking and hero selection system. Dunn praised ChatGPT's ability to understand vague descriptions and provide accurate solutions, stating, "Find me this thing that I don't really know the right search terms for, but I will attempt to describe' is just a killer app" 2.

AI in Game Development

This incident highlights the growing trend of using AI tools in game development. A recent survey found that 31% of game developers were already using generative AI in some capacity, with the percentage likely to have increased since then 2. AI is being employed in various aspects of game creation, from finding algorithms to creating digital characters.

Implications and Concerns

While the use of AI tools like ChatGPT can lead to more efficient problem-solving in game development, it also raises questions about the future of human interaction in the process. Dunn expressed some confliction, noting that AI is "often replacing asking the question to another human IRL, or at least tweeting it out to the virtual braintrust" 2.

The Future of AI in Gaming

As companies like OpenAI continue to develop more advanced AI models, the role of artificial intelligence in game development is likely to expand 2. However, Dunn predicts that we may be in a "ChatGPT golden age," suggesting that the tool's usefulness might decline in the future due to challenges such as copyright issues and data pollution 3.

Disclosure and Transparency

Steam now requires developers to disclose their use of generative AI in game development. However, Valve's games, including Deadlock, do not currently feature such disclosures on their store pages 2. This raises questions about the extent to which AI involvement in game development should be communicated to consumers.

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