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Unity from Proficiency to Mastery: Artificial Intelligence

Implement challenging AI for FPS and RPG games
by Patrick Felicia

Book Description

Newly Edited and Updated Version


Master Artificial Intelligence with Unity
Without this book, most people spend too long trying to create NPCs (non-player character) that behave like a real person the hard way. This book is the only one that will get you to create intelligent NPCs that can think and make decisions without wasting so much time. It includes six chapters that painlessly teach you the necessary skills to get started and master Artificial Intelligence with Unity and implement key AI techniques that you need to create entertaining games with believable and intelligent NPCs.

What you will learn
After completing this book, you will be able to create more entertaining and fun games with intelligent and believable NPCs who can:
  • Follow the player and avoid obstacles.
  • Follow a specific path, or roam aimlessly.
  • Detect the player through their senses (e.g., hearing, smell, visions).
  • Make smart decision based on their state (e.g., health or ammo) to either attack the player, collect ammos and health packs, or flee.
  • Set-up an ambush to capture the player.
  • Act as a group (i.e., army) and follow the orders of the player or another NPC leader (e.g., attack the other team or withdraw from the battle)
Content of the book
The content of the book is as follows:
  • Chapter 1 shows you how to create NPCs who can follow the player while avoiding obstacles or pre-defined areas (e.g., jump between platforms or avoid water).
  • In Chapter 2 you will learn how to make your NPCs navigate the level by following set or random paths, or wandering aimlessly.
  • In Chapter 3 you will add senses to the NPCs so that they can detect the player and take smart decisions accordingly.
  • In Chapter 4, you will make it possible for the NPCs to take more sensible decisions based on the environment and their own state. For example, NPCs may choose to refill ammunition rather than following the player, or they might decide to look for health packs when their health runs low.
  • In Chapter 5 you will create two teams; one controlled by the player, and the other once controlled by another NPCs. These two teams will then engage in a battle and both the player and the NPC leader will be able to control their team asking them to attack or withdraw from the battle;
  • Chapter 6 provides answers to frequently-asked questions.
If you want to master Artificial Intelligence with Unity using a tried-and-tested method: download this book now!

Reviews

"This book shows you how to make your characters 'think' and make decisions! It's really something when you see the programmed characters' behaviors change based on circumstances that are occurring ...Most of the Unity books out there repeat most of the same basic stuff but this book goes way beyond that into some really useful stuff that I haven't seen anywhere else. I highly recommend it if you are ready to move past the basics and learn how to put real logic and 'thinking' into your games."
- Reader, Amazon.com

"This book was short and to the point, very easy to read the content was clear with very little coding. An excellent introduction to this in-depth subject. It was surprising how much is already built into Unity."
- Merrie Cronbach, founder of Virtual World Gypsy.

"After having read 'A Quick Guide to AI' by Patrick Felicia, I continued on my AI quest by reading this book. All I can say is that the way Patrick explains the subject is just amazing. He takes you from newbie to Pro and makes a highly complex topic such as AI extremely simple to understand. Get this book and you will be on your way to becoming an AI pro."
- Reader, Amazon.com

"This book is highly recommended and has become an virtual life saver,I never thought that I would be able to make 3D games and simulate real world game play until I started using this book series where it breaks down steps into bite size chunks, looking forward to future work from this author"
- Reader, Amazon.com

"I've been a follower of Pat's books since I first discovered his series on Unity. He presents an excellent and logical approach to development. He is also very supportive to users and is keen to take suggestions. With each book another key area to one's game development knowledge is logically added.I would highly recommend Pat's books."
- Reader, Amazon.com