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

In the last few years, the world of AI-powered role-playing (RP) has experienced a dramatic transformation. What started as experimental ventures with early language models has grown into a dynamic landscape of applications, platforms, and user groups. This piece investigates the current landscape of AI RP, from popular platforms to innovative techniques.

The Emergence of AI RP Platforms

Various services have come to prominence as well-liked focal points for AI-assisted storytelling and character interaction. These allow users to participate in both conventional storytelling and more risqué ERP (erotic role-play) scenarios. Characters like Euryvale, or user-generated entities like Poppy Porpoise have become fan favorites.

Meanwhile, other platforms have gained traction for hosting and sharing "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 primary catalyst of AI RP's expansion. Models like Llama.cpp and the mythical "Mythomax" (a hypothetical future model) demonstrate the increasing capabilities of AI in generating logical and situationally appropriate responses.

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

The Movement for Privacy and Control

As AI RP has become more widespread, so too has the demand for data privacy and personal autonomy. This has led to the rise of "user-owned language processors" and on-premise model deployment. Various "Model Deployment" services have sprung up to satisfy this need.

Initiatives like NeverSleep and implementations of NeuralCore.cpp have made it possible for users to operate powerful language models on their own hardware. This "on-device AI" approach appeals to those focused on data privacy or those who simply enjoy customizing AI systems.

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

Pushing Boundaries and Exploring New Frontiers

The AI RP community is celebrated for its inventiveness and determination to break new ground. Tools like Cognitive Vector Control allow for fine-grained control over AI outputs, potentially leading to more dynamic and surprising characters.

Some users search for "unrestricted" or "enhanced" models, aiming for maximum creative freedom. However, this raises ongoing philosophical conversations within the community.

Focused services have appeared to cater to specific niches or provide novel 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:

Heightened focus on self-hosted and secure AI solutions
Development of more sophisticated and optimized models (e.g., rumored Quants)
Investigation of novel techniques like "eternal memory" for preserving jan long-term context
Integration of AI with other technologies (VR, voice synthesis) for more lifelike experiences
Personas like Euryvale hint at the possibility for AI to generate entire virtual universes and elaborate narratives.

The AI RP space remains a crucible of innovation, with collectives like Chaotic Soliloquy redefining the possibilities of what's achievable. As GPU technology advances and techniques like neural compression improve efficiency, 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 imagination and exploration.