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

In the last few years, the world of AI-driven character interaction (RP) has experienced a significant evolution. What originated as fringe projects with early language models has blossomed into a vibrant ecosystem of applications, resources, and user groups. This article explores the current landscape of AI RP, from user favorites to innovative techniques.

The Rise of AI RP Platforms

Various tools have risen as favored focal points for AI-enhanced fiction writing and role-play. These allow users to experience both classic role-playing and more adult-oriented ERP (erotic role-play) scenarios. Personas like Stheno, or custom personalities like Poppy Porpoise have become popular choices.

Meanwhile, other services have become increasingly favored for sharing and circulating "character cards" – ready-to-use digital personas that users can converse with. The IkariDev community has been notably active in creating and distributing these cards.

Advancements in Language Models

The swift progression of large language models (LLMs) has been a crucial factor of AI RP's proliferation. Models like LLaMA-3 and the legendary "HyperVerbal" (a speculative future model) demonstrate the expanding prowess of AI in generating consistent and environmentally cognizant responses.

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

The Drive for Privacy and Control

As AI RP has become more widespread, so too has the need for data privacy and user control. This has led to the rise of "local LLMs" and on-premise model deployment. Various "LLM hosting" services have emerged to address this need.

Endeavors like NeverSleep and implementations of Llama.cpp have made it possible for users to operate powerful language models on their personal devices. This "self-hosted model" approach appeals to those concerned about data privacy or those who simply enjoy experimenting with AI systems.

Various tools have become widely adopted as accessible options for managing local models, including advanced 70B parameter versions. These more sophisticated models, while processing-heavy, offer enhanced capabilities for complex RP scenarios.

Pushing Boundaries and Exploring New Frontiers

The AI RP community is known for its creativity and willingness to push boundaries. Tools like Neural Path Optimization allow for precise manipulation over AI outputs, potentially leading to more versatile and unpredictable characters.

Some users seek out "uncensored" or "obliterated" models, targeting maximum creative freedom. However, this provokes ongoing philosophical here conversations within the community.

Focused services have appeared to cater to specific niches or provide alternative 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 envision the future, several patterns are becoming apparent:

Growing focus on self-hosted and secure AI solutions
Development of more sophisticated and streamlined models (e.g., speculated LLaMA-3)
Exploration of groundbreaking techniques like "perpetual context" for maintaining long-term context
Integration of AI with other technologies (VR, voice synthesis) for more lifelike experiences
Personas like Poppy Porpoise hint at the prospect for AI to create entire imaginary realms and expansive narratives.

The AI RP domain remains a crucible of innovation, with groups like IkariDev pushing the boundaries of what's achievable. As GPU technology advances and techniques like cognitive optimization enhance performance, we can expect even more impressive AI RP experiences in the not-so-distant tomorrow.

Whether you're a occasional storyteller or a passionate "AI researcher" working on the next breakthrough in AI, the realm of AI-powered RP offers endless possibilities for innovation and exploration.