Artificial intelligence has had an impact on so many different areas through the years, with its capabilities seemingly evolving on a regular basis.

For example, the recent report from NewScientist that states an AI tool can interpret brain signals and convert them into text is incredible and, frankly, sounds like something straight from a science-fiction movie.

However, one area where AI's influence has been felt for a long time is in the gaming industry and there are plenty of signs that this relationship is set to continue in the coming years.

Landmark victories

For many, the idea of AI in gaming probably brings to mind the game of chess. After all, many were fascinated by the famous battles between the IBM computer Deep Blue and chess champion Garry Kasparov. As History.com outlines, they competed in six games in total, with Kasparov losing two games to one. The three other games were draws.

In more recent years, AI has embraced other forms of gaming. For example, DeepMind outlines how its computer program AlphaGo has tackled the 3,000-year-old game of Go. It went on to beat one of the game's great players 4-1 in 2016, with the achievement being watched by more than 200 million people.

In 2019, The Verge also revealed how DeepMind's StarCraft II AI known as AlphaStar reached grandmaster level in that game. This meant it could beat more than 99 percent of human players.

New innovations

So, while there have already been some incredible achievements, what else could be on the agenda for AI's gaming journey?

Well, two intriguing developments have been in the spotlight recently. First up, PC Gamer reported on Sony's decision to patent AI technology that monitors a player's behavior. The apparent aim is to create a bot that can mimic the player, meaning they could let the AI play on their behalf. In addition, IGN recently revealed how a machine learning tool has been used to make video game imagery more realistic by selecting from a database of photographic images to render a more photorealistic style. Intel ISL is behind the work and it has used Grand Theft Auto V to showcase its efforts.

However, while AI is clearly having an impact across gaming, there may still be some areas that it cannot touch. For instance, the online casino industry now offers a wide range of games. This is highlighted by Casushi, which features slots based on an array of different themes, such as movie-inspired slots like The Goonies, as well as more classic slot experiences like Rainbow Riches and others featuring Ancient Egyptian designs. But, while they all look different, many of them use random number generators and luck-based odds to ensure that outcomes cannot be predicted. As such, it could be argued that it may be difficult for an AI to figure out how to beat them.

A big impact

Despite that, AI continues to have a big impact on the gaming world. There have been fascinating developments in the past, as well as some intriguing announcements more recently.

All in all, it will be interesting to see what else is on the cards going forward and how this exciting technology continues to impact how we play.