Procedural content generation in gaming via evolutionary algorithms

Dissertation presented as the partial requirement for obtaining a Master's degree in Data Science and Advanced Analytics, specialization in Data ScienceThe aim of this thesis is to investigate the possibility of creating content using the Genetic Algorithms. To this end a simple system of interconnected algorithms were developed using concepts from Role Playing Games, specifically Dungeons and Dragons to create game content as characters, quests, and encounters. To be able to produce context, subsystems of map, character, quest, and encounter generators were created. These systems or engines not only define the game space to be populated, but they also provide each other input to create maps, quests, locations, animals, and events that are sensible and coherent. Randomness of the generation was essential as such a variety of noise maps and random number generation were added to every engine in the system. Layered or singular noise maps allowed for logical assumptions to be made, like seeing camels in a location with no rain and high temperatures. With the base truth coming from a random noise map such as danger, civilisation, faction etc., each system built on top of each other can get more complex. There are several Genetic Algorithms with custom operators within the system. These algorithms take their inputs and individuals from the respective engines and tie them all to each other through their physical coordinates in the gaming space. The most impactful part of these algorithms is the Fitness Functions defined with concepts from literature or CGI. The proposed system can populate a game space with elements of desired attributes given the constraints. The output produced consists of coherently tied story beats with some attributes already set. Even in this simple level, this can allow not only game designers but anyone who wants to build any kind of fictional work

Our futures in mind uploading: public perceptions and narratives

Advances in neurotechnology, have immense potential but also pose significant ethical challenges since they implicate fundamental human capacities such as identity, agency, and autonomy. Hence the development of neurotechnology is being prioritised by intergovernmental organisations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The aim is to ensure neurotechnology development is grounded in principles of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) and is responsive to all stakeholders. While the public is a key stakeholder, research, and engagement with this audience is understudied. To address this gap, I implemented a multistage, multi-method, research programme which was informed by an e-Delphi study with multidisciplinary experts. My research used mind uploading as an exemplar for hypothetical future neurotechnology and contributes new data to an understudied field. To encourage participants to connect with mind uploading, I designed a novel data collection tool and method - a website that told the stories of two fictional mind uploaded characters. This method was effective in facilitating narrative transportation, engagement and character identification and illustrated important ethical themes such as personal identity, subjective experience, immortality, and embodiment. My results showed that while awareness of mind uploading has remained relatively static over the last few years, favourability towards the concept has significantly increased, reflected in an increasing number of people who would upload if their physical body was dying and search for meaning in this new afterlife. However, despite the increasing use of Virtual Reality (VR) an afterlife as an avatar was unappealing and participants wanted a physical body the form of which was important. Reactions to the concepts of life extension and immortality indicated that an extended life span, which is potentially becoming more feasible, would be positively received, immortality less so. However, while the public could identify several benefits for mind uploading, primarily a continued connection to loved ones, they were clearly concerned how neurotechnology, particularly that which would augment our existing capabilities, might develop. Public concerns reflected those of policymakers and scientists including data protection, privacy, and security although public priorities sometimes differed. Participants confirmed the need for regulation to ensure neurotechnology is not discriminatory and does not create an even greater divide between the privileged and disadvantaged. There were clear indications of the public’s interest in mind uploading as an example of future neurotechnology which signposts future opportunities in public research and public science

Our futures in mind uploading: public perceptions and narratives

Advances in neurotechnology, have immense potential but also pose significant ethical challenges since they implicate fundamental human capacities such as identity, agency, and autonomy. Hence the development of neurotechnology is being prioritised by intergovernmental organisations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The aim is to ensure neurotechnology development is grounded in principles of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) and is responsive to all stakeholders. While the public is a key stakeholder, research, and engagement with this audience is understudied. To address this gap, I implemented a multistage, multi-method, research programme which was informed by an e-Delphi study with multidisciplinary experts. My research used mind uploading as an exemplar for hypothetical future neurotechnology and contributes new data to an understudied field. To encourage participants to connect with mind uploading, I designed a novel data collection tool and method - a website that told the stories of two fictional mind uploaded characters. This method was effective in facilitating narrative transportation, engagement and character identification and illustrated important ethical themes such as personal identity, subjective experience, immortality, and embodiment. My results showed that while awareness of mind uploading has remained relatively static over the last few years, favourability towards the concept has significantly increased, reflected in an increasing number of people who would upload if their physical body was dying and search for meaning in this new afterlife. However, despite the increasing use of Virtual Reality (VR) an afterlife as an avatar was unappealing and participants wanted a physical body the form of which was important. Reactions to the concepts of life extension and immortality indicated that an extended life span, which is potentially becoming more feasible, would be positively received, immortality less so. However, while the public could identify several benefits for mind uploading, primarily a continued connection to loved ones, they were clearly concerned how neurotechnology, particularly that which would augment our existing capabilities, might develop. Public concerns reflected those of policymakers and scientists including data protection, privacy, and security although public priorities sometimes differed. Participants confirmed the need for regulation to ensure neurotechnology is not discriminatory and does not create an even greater divide between the privileged and disadvantaged. There were clear indications of the public’s interest in mind uploading as an example of future neurotechnology which signposts future opportunities in public research and public science