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Artificial intelligence is often portrayed as a technology that reduces interpersonal relationships and replaces real interactions. This also applies to online games, where many players worry that bots will strip gameplay of its social character. However, the latest study on PUBG: Battlegrounds paints a very different picture. It turns out that properly designed AI-controlled opponents can boost players' confidence and encourage them to cooperate with others more often. The effects were so pronounced that they drew the interest of researchers studying the impact of artificial intelligence on user behavior. The study's results will be published in the journal Information Systems Research.
AI bots helped new players find their footing in PUBG
PUBG: Battlegrounds has been one of the most popular online games in the world since its 2017 launch. Over time, however, a problem well known to developers of multiplayer games emerged. Experienced players reached such a high skill level that newcomers were regularly eliminated early in matches. That discouraged new players from continuing to play and hindered the growth of the game's community. In response to this problem, in 2020 developer Krafton introduced AI-controlled opponents into selected matches. The bots were deliberately programmed to perform slightly below the average player. This allowed new participants to stay in matches longer, get eliminations, and succeed more often. Interestingly, players knew bots were present but couldn't tell which opponents were AI-controlled. That made every victory feel authentic and satisfying. Researchers say this element had a major impact on boosting new players' confidence.
Increased confidence led to more frequent play with others
Analysis of player behavior showed that after the introduction of AI opponents, users spent about 50 percent more time in PUBG than before. The number of matches played also increased. The most interesting changes, however, involved cooperation between players. Researchers recorded an increase in team matches of about 28 percent. This means that people who gained confidence thanks to the bots were much more likely to join friends and choose playing together instead of going solo. Researchers explain this phenomenon by an increase in self-efficacy, the belief that one can cope with challenges. The study's authors believe a similar mechanism could be used outside the gaming world as well. Artificial intelligence could help new employees during onboarding, make it easier to learn new software, or support people acquiring new skills. Instead of replacing people, AI could serve as a training partner that prepares users for more demanding tasks. The study therefore shows that, when used appropriately, artificial intelligence can strengthen collaboration between people rather than limit it.
A new study of PUBG: Battlegrounds shows that artificial intelligence doesn't necessarily have to weaken relationships between players. Properly designed bots increased the confidence of new players, lengthened time spent in the game, and encouraged them to cooperate with others more often. The results suggest that AI can become an effective tool for supporting skill development both in games and in many other areas.
source: digitaltrends
