In the past decade, the domain of AI-powered role-playing (RP) has undergone a remarkable shift. What started as niche experiments with early language models has grown into a vibrant ecosystem of tools, resources, and user groups. This article investigates the present state of AI RP, from popular platforms to innovative techniques.

The Rise of AI RP Platforms

Various services have emerged as favored hubs for AI-enhanced fiction writing and character interaction. These allow users to experience both classic role-playing and more risqué ERP (intimate character interactions) scenarios. Personas like Noromaid, or original creations like Poppy Porpoise have become fan favorites.

Meanwhile, other services have become increasingly favored for hosting and exchanging "character cards" – customizable AI entities that users can interact with. The IkariDev community has been notably active in creating and distributing these cards.

Innovations in Language Models

The accelerated progression of large language models (LLMs) has been a crucial factor of AI RP's expansion. Models like LLaMA CPP and the fabled "Mythomax" (a speculative future model) showcase the growing potential of AI in producing consistent and environmentally cognizant responses.

AI personalization has become a vital technique for adjusting these models to unique RP scenarios or character personalities. This approach allows for more refined and stable interactions.

The Movement for Privacy and Control

As AI RP has gained mainstream appeal, so too has the demand for data privacy and individual oversight. This has led to the development of "user-owned language processors" website and local hosting solutions. Various "LLM hosting" services have sprung up to meet this need.

Endeavors like Undi and implementations of NeuralCore.cpp have made it feasible for users to operate powerful language models on their local machines. This "local LLM" approach attracts those focused on data privacy or those who simply appreciate tinkering with AI systems.

Various tools have grown in favor as user-friendly options for deploying local models, including powerful 70B parameter versions. These more sophisticated models, while processing-heavy, offer enhanced capabilities for complex RP scenarios.

Exploring Limits and Investigating New Frontiers

The AI RP community is celebrated for its inventiveness and determination to break new ground. Tools like Orthogonal Activation Steering allow for fine-grained control over AI outputs, potentially leading to more dynamic and unpredictable characters.

Some users seek out "uncensored" or "obliterated" models, aiming for maximum creative freedom. However, this raises ongoing moral discussions within the community.

Specialized platforms have emerged to cater to specific niches or provide alternative approaches to AI interaction, often with a focus on "no logging" policies. Companies like recursal.ai and featherless.ai are among those exploring innovative approaches in this space.

The Future of AI RP

As we look to the future, several patterns are becoming apparent:

Heightened focus on on-device and confidential AI solutions
Creation of more capable and efficient models (e.g., rumored Quants)
Research of innovative techniques like "perpetual context" for maintaining long-term context
Integration of AI with other technologies (VR, voice synthesis) for more lifelike experiences
Entities like Lumimaid hint at the potential for AI to generate entire virtual universes and intricate narratives.

The AI RP field remains a hotbed of advancement, with groups like Chaotic Soliloquy pushing the boundaries of what's attainable. As GPU technology progresses and techniques like quantization improve efficiency, we can expect even more astounding AI RP experiences in the coming years.

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