Top 10 AI Games to Play in 2023

Although artificial intelligence has become a hot topic as of late, AI-driven games have been engaging players for years, well before this recent generative AI surge. These games harness AI's potential to adapt, challenge, and learn from user interactions.

AI-driven games come in a plethora of variations, catering to a broad range of interests and gaming styles. Whether you prefer strategic military simulations, immersive sports games, narrative-rich journeys, or brain-teaser puzzles, there's surely an AI game that suits your taste. Many of these games also feature multiplayer modes, allowing players to either collaborate or compete against AI-controlled characters. The adaptability of AI technology empowers developers to innovate continuously, crafting fresh and thrilling gaming experiences that redefine the landscape of interactive entertainment.

Understanding AI's Role in Gaming Technology

At the core of AI games is a sophisticated web of algorithms and machine learning methodologies. By extensively analyzing vast datasets, these AI models gain the capability to perceive, reason, and act within the game's realm. This intelligence translates into realistic behaviors and the ability to adapt to players' actions, resulting in captivating gameplay experiences. Through reinforcement learning techniques, AI agents can gradually refine their tactics by learning from successes and failures, ensuring players encounter progressively tougher competitors and dynamic gameplay situations.

Yet, it's worth noting that not all games apply AI in the conventional sense. Many utilize procedural generation—a technique employing algorithms to create content autonomously—allowing for dynamic game worlds and characters without a human designer's input.

While procedural generation and AI are distinct methods, they can complement each other to design more intricate and immersive games. For instance, procedural generation can build a sprawling and diverse environment, while AI can fill that space with clever adversaries and non-player characters (NPCs).

The Appeal of AI Games

AI games provide a distinctive charm that separates them from classic titles. A key attraction is the excitement of battling against smart opponents that can learn and adapt, making it hard to predict outcomes. The unpredictable nature of AI challengers introduces a thrilling aspect to the gaming experience, urging players to strategize, act swiftly, and consistently sharpen their skills. Besides, AI games often create vast, immersive digital realms filled with engaging narratives and realistic characters. In this article, we highlight ten of the most intriguing AI games that have captured the hearts of players globally in recent times.

Read: Top 10 Best VR Games of All Time

Top 10 AI Games to Play

AI Dungeon  

Launched in 2019 by Nick Walton at Brigham Young University's deep learning laboratory focusing on 'Perception, Control, and Cognition', and drawing inspiration from the tabletop classic Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), AI Dungeon is an interactive fiction game that utilizes GPT-3 to craft stories shaped by the player’s choices. Players can select from a multitude of settings and genres, including fantasy, mystery, post-apocalyptic scenarios, cyberpunk, and zombie outbreaks, and the AI weaves a distinct narrative based on their input.

This game cleverly adapts to a wide range of player actions. Leaving inputs blank serves as a method to encourage the AI to generate additional content. Players can also revisit, redo, or alter previous events to enrich their narrative experience. Furthermore, players can instruct the AI to “remember” specific details for future gameplay, ensuring continuity and reference throughout their adventure.

By June 2020, AI Dungeon had amassed 1.5 million active users. In July of that same year, the developers at Latitude released a premium version featuring the Dragon large language model (LLM), based on the GPT-3 DaVinci variant. This model boasts an extensive vocabulary of over 175 billion words, enabling it to generate diverse text, translate languages, craft various forms of creative content, and provide insightful answers. The free version was also improved and now runs on a more basic iteration of GPT-3, dubbed Griffin.

Pros:

• Empowers players to create their unique stories and adventures.
• Accessible to everyone as it is free to play, widening its audience reach.
• User-friendly and compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS platforms.

Cons:

• However, utilizing the Dragon model can come with a cost.
• At times, the game may yield inconsistent or unexpected outputs, stemming from the challenges of training AI models for coherent storytelling.
• The open-world gameplay mechanics and progression systems might feel quite unstructured, particularly to those who favor a more guided gameplay style.

Deep Rock Galactic 

Released in 2020, Deep Rock Galactic is a cooperative first-person shooter crafted by Ghost Ship Games. In Deep Rock Galactic, players embrace the roles of space exploration dwarves working for the mining company Deep Rock Galactic. Their task involves navigating procedurally generated caves, collecting valuable resources, and combating hostile creatures lurking within the planet's depths.

The game features AI-driven dwarves named Bosco, who can step in as teammates to assist during missions. Additionally, it includes enemy AI that utilizes algorithms to react to players' movements and behaviors, integrating an extra layer of depth and unpredictability into the gameplay.

Deep Rock Galactic employs AI algorithms for procedural generation, influencing cave layouts, resource distribution, environmental dangers, and enemy spawn points. Moreover, the game incorporates Mission Control, an AI entity that provides mission objectives, guidance, and briefings through text and voice, adding narrative context and a sense of purpose for players.

Pros:

• Encourages teamwork and communication, enhancing the social gaming experience.
• Procedural generation enriches replay value, offering a sense of adventure and surprise.

Cons:

• The core gameplay focused on missions in procedurally generated caves may lead to feelings of repetitiveness over time.
• New players might experience a steep learning curve, especially when mastering the different dwarf classes, understanding goals, and effectively managing resources and encounters with foes.
• Although AI companions are available for solo players, those seeking a robust solo gaming experience may find the cooperative elements of Deep Rock Galactic less captivating.

Humankind

Humankind is a turn-based strategy game developed by Amplitude Studios. Released for Microsoft Windows and macOS in 2021, it lets players guide their civilization from the Neolithic period to modern times, influencing its culture, technology, and historical impact.

The game features AI-controlled rivals that present a formidable challenge, using sophisticated algorithms to make strategic choices, manage cities, and engage in diplomacy. In Humankind, players can select diverse cultures, each offering unique gameplay traits, bonuses, and skills that define their civilization's character. The AI adeptly considers various cultures' strengths and weaknesses, adjusting its strategies accordingly.

Humankind also boasts an AI-driven dynamic environment that creates and manages randomized terrains, resources, and events, resulting in a rich and ever-changing gameplay world. Additionally, the AI advisor system evaluates the game's current state, providing insights and recommendations on aspects like city management, tech advancements, military tactics, and diplomatic strategies.

Pros:

• Offers a high degree of flexibility, allowing players to tailor their civilization’s growth trajectory, cultural influences, and societal decisions.
• Its cultural evolution system encourages a diversity of play styles and strategic methodologies.
• Supports both cooperative and competitive modes, fostering social interactions and strategic engagements among friends or online players.

Cons:

• The plethora of options and complexities may demand a significant time investment to fully understand.
• Some players have found the AI lacking in strategic depth and consistency.
• There have been reports from players experiencing crashes, performance issues, or imbalances in gameplay.

No Man’s Sky 

No Man’s Sky is a game characterized by procedurally generated space exploration, meaning the game universe is in constant flux, with no two planets being exactly alike. It presents a procedurally generated cosmos containing billions of distinctive planets, each with unique flora, fauna, and ecosystems.

Utilizing sophisticated mathematical models to construct an expansive and varied universe, AI shapes the planetary landscapes, weather systems, wildlife patterns, and other environmental features. This AI-driven procedural generation ensures that each planet and its inhabitants are unique, offering players a virtually limitless selection of distinct realms to discover. The creatures inhabiting these planets exhibit their own AI-guided behaviors, such as feeding, mating, and interacting with their environment.

In No Man's Sky, players can engage with AI-driven non-player characters (NPCs), like extraterrestrial races and commercial space traders. These characters are designed with distinct personalities, languages, and behaviors, enhancing the interactive experience. Through advanced AI algorithms, they can react to players' choices and take part in conversations, offering various quests, trading opportunities, or insightful information. Additionally, these algorithms are instrumental in crafting new missions and quests throughout the game.

Pros:

• The game provides an endlessly expansive universe filled with a plethora of planets waiting to be discovered.
• Players have the freedom to carve their own unique journeys, allowing for diverse playstyles and individual preferences.
• The game is regularly updated, and improvements are made continuously, addressing earlier issues while introducing new gameplay dimensions and opportunities.

Cons:

• Engaging in core activities like resource collection and inventory management can start to feel repetitive as players progress through the game.
• Some users have reported experiencing crashes, bugs, and performance hiccups that significantly impacted their gameplay experience.

StarCraft II 

Created by the renowned Blizzard Entertainment, StarCraft II is a real-time strategy game set in a futuristic sci-fi realm featuring three distinct factions, each boasting its own strengths, weaknesses, and tactical approaches. The AI-driven factions are crafted to simulate astute decision-making and strategic gameplay. AI-controlled opponents learn from player strategies, modifying their own tactics to ensure a stimulating and immersive gaming experience. Players can adjust the difficulty settings to strike a balance between challenge and enjoyment.

In campaign mode, players meet AI-controlled characters and factions, who initiate dialogues, assign quests, and engage in missions, enriching the overarching narrative of the game. Furthermore, AI technology is utilized to create randomly generated skirmish maps, ensuring high replayability.

For those who favor practicing or playing offline, StarCraft II’s multiplayer mode includes AI-controlled opponents that emulate human-like tactics, providing a formidable challenge suitable for all skill levels.

Pros:

• The game demands strategic thinking, requiring players to make crucial decisions regarding resource management, unit configurations, and tactical placements.
• The diversity within faction gameplay enhances depth and adds layers of replay value.

Cons:

• While complex and fast-paced, the game can prove daunting for newcomers due to its intricate mechanics.
• Players need to invest considerable time to refine their skills and maintain competitive prowess.
• Those looking primarily for a single-player experience may feel the heavy focus on multiplayer restricts their access to solo content options.

Dreamscaper

Released in 2020, Dreamscaper is a dungeon crawler RPG that employs AI to create its levels and adversaries. Set in the protagonist's subconscious, players delve into their dreams to uncover the roots of their fears. The levels are ever-changing, and foes adapt to the player’s approach, creating a thrilling atmosphere that fosters engagement.

Dreamscaper embraces AI-driven procedural generation to craft imaginative dream worlds. Each enemy is uniquely generated, presenting its own challenges that require thoughtful strategies from players. An adaptive difficulty system further tailors the experience based on player performance.

Pros:

• The gameplay is fast-paced and action-packed, striking a balance between hack-and-slash mechanics and strategic choices.
• The narrative delivers a deeply emotional storyline alongside dynamic character development.
• Stunning visuals and surreal environments offer breathtaking dreamscapes that draw players in.

Cons:

• Repeatedly diving into dreamscapes and battling foes while collecting resources can feel somewhat familiar over time.
• New players may find the initial level of difficulty or the trial-and-error nature of the game somewhat frustrating until they become more adept.
• Some players might feel unfulfilled due to limited options for progression.

Inscryption 

Developed by Daniel Mullins Games, Inscryption is an indie title that merges card-based deck building, puzzle elements, and psychological horror. Released for Windows and macOS in October 2021, it places players in a remote cabin where they must escape from a mysterious entity named Leshy through a card game. The cards represent animals, plants, and objects that can be sacrificed to enhance stronger cards.

It's geared primarily toward a single-player experience, emphasizing the mechanics and narrative interplay. Leshy, the AI opponent, adjusts to the player's style, ramping up difficulty as progress is made.

Pros: 

• It boasts innovative and challenging gameplay that demands strategic insight and problem-solving.
• The storyline is gripping and mysterious, unfolding gradually as players navigate the game.

Cons:

• Progression may necessitate thorough exploration and experimentation, which might not suit those who prefer explicit directions or clearer guidance.
• The game's niche design and its unconventional mechanics might limit its appeal to a particular audience.

Loop Hero 

Loop Hero , created by Four Quarters, is an indie roguelike game that fuses strategic elements with RPG and deck-building features. In Loop Hero, players guide a hero ensnared in a time loop, constructing a loop by strategically placing terrain tiles like forests, mountains, and roads to vanquish enemies and advance through the game.

Enemies are controlled by AI, autonomously moving and attacking the hero. The ever-shifting game environment ensures that players never encounter the same loop twice. The loot system, also powered by AI, guarantees different rewards following each completed loop.

Pros:

• The blend of strategic choices, resource management, and character growth keeps players engaged and invested with every playthrough.
• The procedural generation in Loop Hero assures that no two runs are alike, presenting diverse layouts, enemy confrontations, and resource encounters.

Cons:

• However, the core gameplay loop may begin to feel repetitive after extended playing sessions.
• Some players could perceive the passive gameplay mechanics of Loop Hero as less engaging.

Manifold Garden 

Manifold Garden is a first-person puzzle title crafted by William Chyr Studio and released by Devolver Digital. It launched for various platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PS4, and Xbox One in August 2019.

Players traverse a mind-bending world where the laws of physics and geometry are in constant flux. Each playthrough offers a new layout of structures, puzzles, and landscapes due to the game’s procedural generation. Although it does not feature AI-controlled opponents or characters, it does incorporate sophisticated physics. simulations to create a dynamic and interactive environment.

Pros:

• The unique puzzles and non-Euclidean geometry challenge players to explore innovative solutions.
• The design is visually striking, showcasing intricate architectural wonders.
• The game prompts players to ponder philosophical themes such as perception, infinity, and interconnectedness.

Cons:

• To fully grasp and navigate the game, players must exhibit patience, persistence, and adaptability.
• Once players have reached the end, they may find little incentive to replay the experience.
• Players may feel frustrated by the absence of clear guidance.
  

The Turing Test

The Turing Test is a first-person puzzle adventure created by Bulkhead Interactive and published by Square Enix. Set in a future where AI has reached a level of sophistication indistinguishable from human intelligence, players assume the role of Ava, an AI developed by a corporation called Turing Test. Ava is put to the test to see if she can pass the Turing Test, a measure of a machine's ability to exhibit human-like intelligent behavior.

Incorporating AI into its narrative framework, The Turing Test challenges players to consider the philosophical implications of AI and the essence of consciousness. The storyline explores the ethical ramifications of creating sentient machines, encouraging players to reflect on the moral dilemmas posed by such advancements.

While gameplay does not incorporate advanced AI mechanics, it leverages AI thematically to drive the narrative and prompt engaging discussions regarding the essence of intelligence and consciousness.

Pros:

• Players encounter a series of challenging puzzles that necessitate logical reasoning, observation, and problem-solving to advance.
• The narrative provokes thoughtful questions about consciousness and the ethics surrounding artificial intelligence.
• Set within a striking research facility on one of Jupiter's moons, the environment is visually impressive.

Cons:

• The core loop of manipulating energy spheres and activating switches may feel tedious at times.
• A lack of alternative routes or significant narrative branches might lessen the motivation for multiple playthroughs.
• It heavily relies on classic puzzle-solving conventions without innovating within the genre.

AI Game Comparison Cheatsheet

Game	AI Features	Devices	Pros	Cons
AI Dungeon	With AI-driven storytelling and adaptable responses, the possibilities for storytelling are virtually limitless.	PC, web browser, mobile devices	However, AI-generated content can sometimes suffer from a lack of coherence. 2. Flexibility in player input 3. Constant updates and improvements	Visuals may be limited, hampering immersion. AI-controlled gameplay includes dynamic enemy behavior and cooperative AI mechanics. 3. Potential for repetitive gameplay
Deep Rock Galactic	The game features dynamically interacting AI civilizations and adaptive diplomacy.	PC, Xbox, PlayStation	1. Challenging cooperative gameplay 2. Dynamic enemy behavior and AI 3. Deep customization and progression	1. Steep learning curve for beginners 2. Limited single-player experience 3. Some technical issues and bugs
Humankind	In terms of gameplay, dynamic interactions powered by AI present unique challenges.	PC, Mac	1. Strategic depth and complex AI The expansive universe is crafted using AI-generated planets, creatures, and ecosystems, offering endless explorative opportunities. 3. Multiple paths to victory	1. Steep learning curve for newcomers 2. Some AI behavior can be predictable 3. Late game pacing can be slow
No Man’s Sky	The vastness of the procedurally generated universe invites players to explore and discover without constraints.	PC, PlayStation, Xbox	The regular updates ensure fresh content and additions. Not everyone may appreciate the repetitive or grindy aspects of the gameplay. Some players could find the multiplayer component lacking.	With AI-driven opponents, advanced strategies are essential for a fulfilling gaming experience. In No Man's Sky, players encounter a variety of AI-driven non-player characters, including extraterrestrial creatures and interstellar merchants. Each of these characters possesses distinct personalities, languages, and behaviors, enriching the gameplay experience. Thanks to sophisticated AI algorithms, these NPCs react to how players interact with them, initiating conversations, offering quests, trading resources, or sharing vital insights. Moreover, the game's AI mechanics are also used to create missions and quests, enhancing the depth of exploration.
StarCraft II	The game presents an almost limitless universe, teeming with countless planets ripe for exploration.	PC, Mac	1. Competitive and strategic gameplay Players have the freedom to carve out their own unique experiences, appealing to a broad spectrum of playstyles and individual preferences.	1. High barrier to entry for new players Frequent updates and ongoing development help to resolve prior issues and add exciting new dimensions to gameplay possibilities.  The fundamental activities, like gathering resources and managing inventory, can start to feel monotonous after extended play sessions.
Dreamscaper	Some players have reported experiencing crashes, glitches, and performance hiccups, which hindered their overall enjoyment of the game.	PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch	1. Unique blend of action and RPG 2. Dynamic character relationships 3. Visually stunning dreamscapes	Created by Blizzard Entertainment, is a real-time strategy game set in a sci-fi universe featuring three distinct factions, each with unique strengths, weaknesses, and strategic approaches. The AI-controlled factions are crafted to mimic intelligent decision-making and strategic play. These AI competitors adapt to the player's tactics, modifying their gameplay strategies, thus delivering a dynamic and engaging gaming experience. Players can tweak the AI difficulty levels to find their perfect challenge. 3. Limited progression options
Inscryption	During campaign mode, players meet AI-controlled characters and factions that engage them in conversation, offer quests, and take part in missions, which enhances the depth and narrative of the game. Furthermore, AI algorithms are utilized to create random skirmish maps, significantly boosting replay value.	PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4&5, Xbox One	The multiplayer component of StarCraft II features AI opponents for those who want to practice or enjoy games offline. These AI competitors exhibit human-like behaviors, delivering a challenging environment for players with varying skill levels. The game provides a high degree of strategic complexity, necessitating critical decision-making around resource management, unit composition, and tactical positioning.	The different gameplay styles among factions enhance both depth and replayability. The complexity and rapid-paced nature of the gameplay can be overwhelming for newcomers.
Loop Hero	To compete effectively, players must invest substantial time and effort into honing their skills.	PC, MacOS, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One	1. Addictive and strategic gameplay 2. Procedurally generated	1. Repetitive gameplay loop 2. Lack of direct player control
Manifold Garden	Procedurally generated game world	PC, PlayStation, Xbox	1. Mind-bending gameplay 2. Stunning visual design Those looking for a primarily single-player experience might feel restricted by the game’s heavy emphasis on multiplayer interactions.	Dreamscaper - Gameplay Demo Summer of Gaming 2020 2. Limited replay value is a dungeon-crawling RPG that harnesses AI to dynamically generate its levels and foes. The storyline unfolds within the subconscious of the protagonist, requiring players to navigate through dreams to uncover the roots of their nightmares. As players progress, environments morph constantly, and enemies adapt to the player’s strategies, cultivating a thrilling and urgent atmosphere that keeps engagement high.
The Turing Test	Dreamscaper leverages AI-powered procedural generation, crafting unique dream realms for exploration. The game’s adversaries, all distinctive and formidable, challenge players to think strategically for their defeat. Additionally, an adaptive difficulty framework modifies the challenge level in response to the player’s performance.	The gameplay is characterized by fast-paced action and a thrilling mix of hack-and-slash combat alongside strategic choices.	1. Engaging puzzle mechanics 2. Intriguing narrative 3. Atmospheric setting and visuals	1. Repetitive gameplay elements 2. Limited replay value 3. Lack of gameplay innovation

FAQ

Emotional narratives and deep character arcs provide a compelling storytelling experience.

The visually arresting dreamscapes are filled with vibrant, surreal landscapes.

While the core loop of exploring dream realms, engaging in combat, and gathering items can feel repetitive as players repeat the game,

some individuals might find the initial level of difficulty or the trial-and-error process frustrating until they gain mastery.

Restricted progression options may leave some players feeling unfulfilled.

is an indie title that merges card-based deck-building mechanics with puzzle-solving and psychological horror. Released for Microsoft Windows and macOS in October 2021, the game is set in a secluded cabin where players must navigate a card game against a mysterious figure named Leshy to find a way to escape. The card deck consists of animals, plants, and objects that can be sacrificed to forge more potent cards.

Primarily designed as a single-player experience, the gameplay revolves around the player's interactions with the game’s mechanics, puzzles, and unfolding narrative. Leshy, the AI opponent, dynamically adapts to the player’s strategies, which increases the game’s difficulty as they progress. 

Conclusion

The game introduces innovative and challenging gameplay that compels players to utilize strategic thinking and problem-solving.

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• A gripping and enigmatic storyline unfolds as players advance through the game.
• Players may need to explore and experiment meticulously to make headway, which may not appeal to those looking for more explicit guidance.
• The unconventional design and unique mechanics of the game might restrict its appeal to a narrower audience.
• , developed by Four Quarters, is an indie roguelike that weaves together strategy, RPG, and deck-building elements. In Loop Hero, players take on the role of a hero stuck in a time loop, where they must construct a loop by placing various terrain tiles—like forests, mountains, and roads—to form a unique path for their hero, enabling them to defeat foes and advance the game.