SXSW 2025
Out of Character: AI and Text-Based Roleplaying Games
Description:
We'll explore a lesser-known use of AI: online text-based role-playing games. This 50-year-old medium has always relied on detailed technical infrastructures or other human players. Now, GenAI makes it much easier to participate in collaborative storytelling. Roleplaying platforms like Character.AI, JanitorAI, and NovelAI are reaching massive audiences. Character.AI alone is getting more traffic than Claude, Huggingface, and Midjourney! But what makes these sites so popular? Why do companies like OpenAI lurk in these communities? And how does AI roleplaying help or harm those who engage in it?
Related Media
Other Resources / Information
https://character.ai/chat/XUgC-AL0nm_6TowbtpRJ2x4GtAEIFbSYiDqkchPiBzE This is a Character.AI bot of "me" that people can chat with, including an AI-generated version of my own voice. It does require making a (free) Character.AI account.
Takeaways
- Generative AI stimulates creativity through online roleplaying games, both when it comes to crafting prompts and writing with bots.
- AI roleplaying gaining popularity with websites like Character.AI seeing 300 million visits in June 2024, and 20 million active users worldwide.
- AI roleplaying is not without risks: it can be addictive, cause financial strain, and even impact users' offline social interactions.
Speakers
- Anne van de Wijdeven, Lead Content Creative, DEPT®
Organizer
Anne van de Wijdeven, Lead Content Creative, Dept
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