Intelligent agents, simulation, and gaming

Abstract

Artificial intelligence and intelligent agents are sources of synergy for simulation and computer-based games. They support striking realism of the physical environment and provide unique opportunities for learning and complex operations. This article's purpose is to explore the relationship of software agents to simulation and games. This includes agents with advanced cognitive abilities (introspection, perception, anticipation, and understanding) as well as those representing personality, emotion, and cultural aspects of individuals and societies including issues. A recent special issue of Simulation: Transactions of the Society for Modeling and Simulation International on agent-directed simulation (ADS) is introduced. As a prelude to its presentation, the promising synergy of artificial intelligence, simulation, and gaming is elaborated on. A unifying paradigm for the synergy of agents and simulation and gaming—namely, ADS—is presented. It includes agent simulation, agent-supported simulation, and agent-based simulation. Also, two different usages of the term agent-based simulation are clarified.