In the last few years, the domain of AI-assisted storytelling (RP) has undergone a dramatic transformation. What began as fringe projects with early language models has grown into a dynamic landscape of applications, platforms, and communities. This piece examines the present state of AI RP, from user favorites to groundbreaking techniques.

The Growth of AI RP Platforms

Various tools have come to prominence as well-liked focal points for AI-assisted storytelling and role-play. These allow users to engage in both classic role-playing and more mature ERP (intimate character interactions) scenarios. Avatars like Noromaid, or custom personalities like Poppy Porpoise have become community darlings.

Meanwhile, other services have grown in popularity for hosting and sharing "character cards" – pre-made AI personalities that users can converse with. The Backyard AI community has been especially active in designing and sharing these cards.

Breakthroughs in Language Models

The accelerated evolution of advanced AI systems (LLMs) has been a key driver of AI RP's proliferation. Models like Llama.cpp and the legendary "Mythomax" (a hypothetical future model) demonstrate the increasing capabilities of AI in creating consistent and context-aware responses.

AI personalization has become a essential technique for adapting these models to unique RP scenarios or character personalities. This method allows for more nuanced and reliable interactions.

The Push for Privacy and Control

As AI RP has gained mainstream appeal, so too has the call for data privacy and personal autonomy. This has led to the rise of "user-owned language processors" and on-premise model deployment. Various "AI-as-a-Service" services have been created to address this need.

Endeavors like Undi and implementations of CogniScript.cpp have made it possible here for users to utilize powerful language models on their own hardware. This "self-hosted model" approach appeals to those worried about data privacy or those who simply relish experimenting with AI systems.

Various tools have grown in favor as user-friendly options for deploying local models, including advanced 70B parameter versions. These larger models, while GPU-demanding, offer enhanced capabilities for intricate RP scenarios.

Breaking New Ground and Exploring New Frontiers

The AI RP community is recognized for its innovation and determination to push boundaries. Tools like Neural Path Optimization allow for detailed adjustment over AI outputs, potentially leading to more dynamic and spontaneous characters.

Some users search for "abiliterated" or "obliterated" models, targeting maximum creative freedom. However, this provokes ongoing philosophical conversations within the community.

Focused tools have surfaced to address specific niches or provide unique approaches to AI interaction, often with a focus on "privacy-first" 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 developments are emerging:

Increased focus on local and private AI solutions
Advancement of more sophisticated and streamlined models (e.g., speculated LLaMA-3)
Exploration of groundbreaking techniques like "eternal memory" for preserving long-term context
Combination of AI with other technologies (VR, voice synthesis) for more immersive experiences
Characters like Euryvale hint at the possibility for AI to create entire fictional worlds and intricate narratives.

The AI RP field remains a crucible of innovation, with collectives like Chaotic Soliloquy pushing the boundaries of what's possible. As GPU technology evolves and techniques like neural compression improve efficiency, we can expect even more astounding AI RP experiences in the coming years.

Whether you're a casual role-player or a passionate "quant" working on the next discovery in AI, the realm of AI-powered RP offers endless possibilities for innovation and exploration.