Gaming

Five AI tools every game developer should have in their toolbelt

Published

4 years ago

November 24, 2021

Reading Time: 5 minutes

The games industry is no stranger to Artificial Intelligence (AI) in video games. Anyone that’s played a game populated by NPCs or multiplayer games with bots will know that the quality of the AI that defines how they interact with players can be hugely variable. Done well, AI-controlled characters help a game to be more cohesive and engaging.

That’s why research into game AI is an ongoing focus for so many studios, with bigger companies such as Sony exploring advanced AI techniques like reinforcement learning, which has the potential to create the most advanced form of NPCs to be a player’s friend or foe, depending on how they play.

But AI’s capabilities don’t stop there. AI is also changing the way games are developed, adding much greater realism to in-game characters, gaming experience and creating autonomous online bots that are near-indistinguishable from human players.

Electronic Arts is currently developing systems that use machine learning to replicate facial expressions, skin types and body movements from video and photos. In theory, this means that actors would no longer have to come into a mo-cap studio and there would be a greater range of genders and ethnicities produced in games.

With so much happening in this space, we’ve compiled a list of five AI tools every game developer should have at hand to make their lives easier.

Content Generation

One of the most time-consuming processes a developer will have to deal with is content generation, especially in puzzle games where there is a high demand for new levels. But AI technology can help here, using a method known as Procedural Content Generation (PCG), which creates content algorithmically. AI can be used to generate tens or hundreds of variations ready to be reviewed and selected. If the AI is being used for level generation, it’s even possible to use AI bots to play the levels and score them for difficulty or the time it takes to complete them.

PCG allows for quicker content creation and provides developers with more time for creative experimentation. The AI can easily do the heavy lifting, but human input is still crucial to launching a polished product, which is where the developer’s skill comes in.

Testing

Unlike mobile apps or web pages, games are one of the hardest forms of software to test due to their sheer variation, the near-infinite number of states a game can have, its custom interaction models, and constant updates.

Games are still mainly tested by humans, which means it can be a lengthy and expensive process. While big studios have the budget to create dedicated teams that focus solely on game testing, smaller developers mostly rely on their network of friends, coworkers and fans. But what happens when they are unable to test every aspect of the game? That is where AI and machine learning steps in.

Testing in video games is complex due to the number of split-second choices a player can make and the outcomes those choices have. In addition, there are interactions with other human and non-human players that are also non-deterministically playing the game, which further complicates things.

The advantage of using AI bots for your playtesting is that they can test quickly, constantly and methodically. For example, bots can be used to test for things like object clipping by running all the possible moves and interactions on a level far faster than a human player..

Cheat Detection

Cheating turns players off multiplayer gaming, even if they are not directly affected. For players striving to be the best, it’s all too easy to turn to cheat tools that bestow superhero-like powers in the game. Cheating tools range from simple aimbots that assist with aiming and shooting in FPS games like CounterStrike to mining bots in MMOs that control a player’s character and essentially play for them.

Developers can combat the use of cheats with machine learning and behaviour-based detection AI. By collecting data on a player’s behavioural patterns, such as how a player moves the controller or how fast a player reacts, AI can recognise when an action goes beyond normal human behaviour.

While there are plenty of other products that are able to detect cheaters, the advantage of a machine learning system is that it’s continuously learning and adapting itself to fit the game – making it harder for players to fool. This means that developers can employ updates and patches to the game without having to reprogram the AI.

Content Moderation

Online toxicity has become a growing problem as more and more games are built around persistent online worlds with thousands of concurrent players. There are times that a small number of players spoil the experience for the majority. However, AI is a great ally for developers looking to curb such behaviours and safeguard their players.

There are different approaches to moderating game chat. The most common is to use lists of banned words and phrases, which can be used to block posts that use them. The problem here is that gamers can get around moderation by changing letters to numbers or using slang phrases.

A better approach is to use an AI model that can consider the context of the text so that even if a player is being clever with the spelling of a word, it will still be flagged due to its context and intent. This kind of AI is relatively recent, with only a handful of experts working in this field. But, with no signs that toxic behaviours are declining and the number of people playing games increasing, this is a field that will continue to need expert solutions.

Whilst, AI can capture the bulk of comments before they are posted, human moderators are still required as the ultimate arbiters of what content is permissible. But working as a team, human moderators and AI moderation can together ensure that games are a safe space for all players.

AI Player Stand-Ins

The big attraction of online games is the ability to interact and team up with other players. However, there are not always enough human players to fill in the empty seats; that’s where bots come in.

Bots can act as a reasonable stand-in for human players, with a sophisticated range of behaviours. But it’s still pretty obvious to most when you are playing alongside a bot rather than a real person

One way to address this is to use AI to introduce more variables into the behaviour of the bots. This can give a much more realistic impression of unpredictability, and reproduce things like the risk-taking that you often encounter with human players.

While the combination of techniques used to create effective AI-based bots is fairly new, when done correctly it can create dynamic, adaptive and very human-like bots that add an extra dimension to online play.

AI tools are there to help developers

Developers are faced with an immense amount of challenges to develop great games very quickly, but thanks to the latest AI-based tools, there are powerful solutions to some of the most resource-hungry aspects of the development process.

That is why AI is increasingly becoming an essential addition to the game development process, providing developers with the tools, and the insight, to address any issue that arises. Which, in turn, allows them to unload tedious tasks and concentrate on creative output.

About modl.ai

Headquartered in Denmark, modl.ai is a team of game developers, engineers and AI experts working together to create AI-driven tools for building better games. Its AI-based tools allow developers to rapidly create and test games and understand their players. modl.ai’s unique technology is designed to accelerate the game development process, automating repetitive and time-intensive tasks and helping developers to enhance and increase player engagement.

modl.ai was founded in 2018 by Christoffer Holmgård, Benedikte Mikkelsen, Lars Henriksen, Sebastian Risi, Georgios N. Yannakakis, and Julian Togelius, who between them have been involved in the launch of more than 30 games and have more than 28,000 citations in technical literature covering AI and game design. In 2019 the company successfully secured seed funding from a number of investors led by PreSeed Ventures, Denmark’s largest and most successful early-stage investor, joined by Saltagen Ventures and Propagator Ventures.

CEO of GGBET UA Serhii Mishchenko

GGBET UA kicks off the “Keep it GG” promotional campaign

Published

20 hours ago

February 16, 2026

Wladimir P.

ggbet-ua-kicks-off-the-“keep-it-gg”-promotional-campaign

A leading gaming brand in Ukraine has launched a collection of ads featuring the tagline “Keep it GG” as part of an extensive communications initiative. The videos are currently being broadcast on Ukrainian TV, online platforms, and the brand’s social media accounts.

“GG” (Good Game) started in video game culture, yet its significance has far surpassed the literal meaning of “well played.” Currently, it symbolizes a worldwide sign of honor and gratitude for the feelings exchanged following a match, no matter the outcome. This concept served as the basis for GGBET UA’s latest marketing campaign. The video series embodies a unique GG atmosphere: rather than using a conventional voiceover, it incorporates complete audio tracks; the narrative features both literal and metaphorical allusions to sports and esports terms, alongside in-game and casino aspects; and prominent Ukrainian footballers are among the main characters.

“Every game, every match, every tournament is a moment that brings people together. For us, it’s important that every interaction with GGBET gives users that good game feeling — an experience that outlives the result and leaves vivid emotions behind, just like after watching a match,” comments CEO of GGBET UA, Serhii Mishchenko.

Going beyond the traditional view of GG also signifies a more profound implication — the brand’s strategic focus. The international brand, which has concentrated on esports for several years and attained significant success in esports betting and collaborations, is now adopting best practices to enhance traditional sports in regional markets. GGBET UA showcases a wider strategy for Good Game via collaborations (FC Dynamo Kyiv, FC Polissya, and the Ukrainian Basketball Federation), by organizing its own events and special projects, including initiatives that blend sports with esports, like the Match of LeGGends: Derby showmatch on the server featuring esports athletes and football players.

The brand’s creative team collaborated with a Ukrainian advertising agency and a Ukrainian production company to develop the commercials. GGBET UA made this choice to assist the local creative sector amid the war.

The post GGBET UA kicks off the “Keep it GG” promotional campaign appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Christer Fahlstedt

Paf has halved its loss limit since 2018

Published

7 days ago

February 10, 2026

Wladimir P.

paf-has-halved-its-loss-limit-since-2018

Nordic gaming operator Paf is taking another decisive step toward responsible gambling by lowering its mandatory annual loss limit for all customers from €16,000 to €15,000. The move is part of a long-term strategy focused on sustainability, player protection, and ethical revenue growth.

With this latest reduction, Paf has now cut its original loss limit—first introduced in 2018 at €30,000—by 50%. The mandatory cap applies across all gaming categories and to every platform operated by the company.

“We are extremely proud that through concrete actions and long-term investments in responsible gaming, we have now halved the first loss limit we introduced in 2018,” said Christer Fahlstedt, CEO of Paf. “It clearly demonstrates that we are serious about our ambition to be a sustainable entertainment company.”

Long-term ambition: €8,000 annual loss limit

The new €15,000 threshold represents another step toward Paf’s previously stated long-term goal of lowering the annual loss limit to €8,000 per player.

“We have been transparent about our ambition to lead the development toward a healthier gaming market,” Fahlstedt added. “Unlike many operators, we are prepared to say no to revenue that comes from unsustainable gaming. However, this transition must happen gradually to ensure long-term stability in a highly competitive market.”

High-intensity player segments phased out

As part of the reduction, Paf will continue to reshape its customer segmentation model. Revenue from the so-called orange segment—players with annual losses between €15,000 and €30,000—will be phased out entirely over time.

Paf has already eliminated revenue from its red segment, which previously consisted of customers losing more than €30,000 annually. The latest changes further reinforce the company’s shift away from high-intensity gambling behavior toward more sustainable play levels.

“Removing the orange segment is a deliberate and important decision,” said Daniela Johansson, Deputy CEO and Chief Responsibility Officer at Paf. “It clearly signals that we do not want revenue that isn’t sustainable over time—especially when our mission is to create long-term benefits for society.”

Call for shared limits across the industry

In addition to mandatory loss limits, Paf customers can set their own voluntary lower limits. While these safeguards have proven effective in curbing harmful behavior, Paf emphasizes that broader industry action is needed.

“Loss limits have a real and measurable impact on player behavior and can stop problems before they escalate,” Fahlstedt said. “But customers can easily switch operators. That’s why common national deposit limits are essential, and why unlicensed gambling must be addressed.”

Paf was the first international gaming operator to introduce mandatory loss limits, and the company continues to advocate for stronger, shared responsibility standards across regulated markets.

The post Paf has halved its loss limit since 2018 appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

Circus Jackpot

TaDa Gaming Releases Circus Jackpot

Published

1 week ago

February 10, 2026

Wladimir P.

Award-winning TaDa Gaming has built a name for delivering differentiation for operator platforms with its unique fish-shooting games. Combining the thrill of cinematic video animations with recognisable casino mechanics, these multiplayer games offer a new way to play and win with skill-influenced challenges and in-game progression.

Latest release, Circus Jackpot, takes the action into the Big Top Tent for a fantastical procession of characters, creatures and Awakening Bosses, each one bringing multipliers and triggering bonus games when players successfully take them down.

And this is no ordinary circus: shoals of lower value fish swirl around the tent to bring easy win multipliers from 2x – 20x while Giant Medium Fish raise the game to 80x and the Golden Killer Whale offers up to 100x.

A colony of crabs including Bomb, Drill, Hammer and Wheel versions can each deliver a unique effect when triggered. The Hammer Crab can unleash the power of thunder and the Wheel Crab triggers a bonus roulette game for up to 800x; while the Bomb Crab will detonate a chain bomb attack and the Drill Crab will penetrate through the crowd for maximum impact on explosion.

Players can be strategic on timing blasts. Capturing the Lightning Chain Fish will trigger the Lightning Chain and take out fish, one by one; while the Vortex Fish will create a sea of swirling water that sucks all the surrounding creatures into it.

With up to four players in Circus Jackpot at any time, the first shots are fired from Rocket Cannon positions. Each shot builds up the Free Deep Sea Whirlpool weapon which can be strategically used for full screen wipeouts; while a random Flame Bomb can also trigger, adding to the excitement and win potential.

Weaponry is further enhanced by the Tiger Power and Dragon Power uplifts, designed to take down the Awakening Bosses. These are the Mermaid (100x – 1200x); the Ghost Ship (100x – 1200x); the Thunder Dragon with up to 1980x; and the Wild Hog(60x – 2500x).

Capture any of these Bosses and watch their effects from performances and collisions to raise the multiplier, to the Wild Hog bonus game of Tug of War, where the generous piggy will give 60x – 200x to losers while winners can pull 220x – 2500x.

New characters to appear in Circus Jackpot include the Cash Clown and King Tiger. Targeting the unicyclist Cash Clown will build the multiplier to 350x while a successful shot will make the Clown spin his magic hat in a superb bonus game animation and pull out Coins (10x), White Rabbits(20x – 150x) or the King Tiger Boss, who brings the biggest game multiplier of all.

King Tiger is the star of the show. His party piece is to jump through the Consecutive Fire Rings and Colour Fire Rings at high speed, increasing the multiplier as he soars through the hoops.

Each mile covered is shown on the screen in a spectacular animation. And if King Tiger Boss can clear all the hoops in the challenge, he’ll provide up to a staggering 4800x win potential.

With Mega, Major and Mini jackpots also to be won, this is the new shoot and win game that will have players glued to the screen.

A straightforward UI holds all the controls, with added features for Aim to target specific creatures and Auto to create target lists, giving players strategic agency. Simple rules and descriptions of the characters and their effects make onboarding easier and enable players to get straight into the action with Circus Jackpot.

Sean Liu, Director of Product Management, TaDa Gaming, said: “TaDa’s glocalisation skills enhance our standing as the No.1 provider for fish-shooting. Circus Jackpot takes the highlights from the fish-shooting genre and seamlessly builds in new Bosses and features to deliver big potential in an expertly localised adventure to suit all player levels.”

Available in over 15 languages with 100+ currency choices, Circus Jackpot is available to play from 10th February 2026.

The post TaDa Gaming Releases Circus Jackpot appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.