In the last few years, the world of AI-driven character interaction (RP) has seen a significant evolution. What started as fringe projects with early language models has blossomed into a vibrant ecosystem of tools, resources, and user groups. This piece explores the current landscape of AI RP, from user favorites to innovative techniques.

The Emergence of AI RP Platforms

Various platforms have come to prominence as favored hubs for AI-enhanced fiction writing and immersive storytelling. These allow users to participate in both traditional RP and more risqué ERP (sensual storytelling) scenarios. Characters like Noromaid, or user-generated entities like Midnight Miqu have become community darlings.

Meanwhile, other websites have grown in popularity for hosting and exchanging "character cards" – pre-made AI personalities that users can converse with. The Chaotic Soliloquy community has been notably active in creating and distributing these cards.

Breakthroughs in Language Models

The rapid evolution of neural language processors (LLMs) has been a key driver of AI RP's proliferation. Models like LLaMA CPP and the mythical "Mythomax" (a hypothetical future model) demonstrate the increasing capabilities of AI in creating consistent and context-aware responses.

AI personalization has become a crucial technique for adjusting these models to particular RP scenarios or character personalities. This process allows for more sophisticated and consistent interactions.

The Drive for Privacy and Control

As AI RP has grown in popularity, so too has the need for confidentiality and individual oversight. This has led to the emergence of "user-owned language processors" and on-premise model deployment. Various "LLM hosting" services have been created to meet this need.

Initiatives like Kobold AI and implementations of NeuralCore.cpp have made it possible for users to operate powerful language models on their local machines. This "local LLM" approach resonates with those concerned about data privacy or those who simply appreciate customizing AI systems.

Various tools have gained popularity as accessible options for managing local models, including impressive 70B parameter versions. These more complex models, while processing-heavy, offer enhanced capabilities for intricate RP scenarios.

Breaking New Ground and Exploring New Frontiers

The AI RP community is recognized for its inventiveness and willingness to push boundaries. Tools like Neural Path Optimization allow for detailed adjustment over AI outputs, potentially leading to more dynamic and unpredictable characters.

Some users pursue "unrestricted" or "augmented" models, aiming for maximum creative freedom. However, this raises ongoing moral discussions within the community.

Niche services have surfaced to address specific niches or provide novel approaches to AI interaction, often with a focus on "data protection" 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 trends are emerging:

Increased focus on local and private AI solutions
Creation of more capable and optimized models (e.g., speculated LLaMA-3)
Exploration of novel orthogonal activation steering techniques like "neversleep" for maintaining long-term context
Integration of AI with other technologies (VR, voice synthesis) for more immersive experiences
Entities like Lumimaid hint at the prospect for AI to generate entire virtual universes and expansive narratives.

The AI RP domain remains a hotbed of invention, with collectives like Chaotic Soliloquy redefining the possibilities of what's achievable. As GPU technology evolves and techniques like quantization enhance performance, we can expect even more astounding AI RP experiences in the coming years.

Whether you're a curious explorer or a dedicated "AI researcher" working on the next discovery in AI, the world of AI-powered RP offers limitless potential for innovation and adventure.