Opponents with their own habits
A look at how the AI opponents in Sunmeld are being shaped to play differently from one another.
A duel is only fun if the other side feels like someone. This week's note is about the AI opponents in Sunmeld, which is still in development for iOS and Android.
Not one AI, but several
Instead of a single opponent that plays the same way every time, we are building a group of AI opponents that each have their own habits. Some like to stack stones tightly and wait for a big merge. Some drop stones fast and keep the tub busy. Some play it safe near the rim, and some take risks.
Why habits matter
Because the tub is shared, every stone you place changes your opponent's next move, and the other way around. When opponents have different habits, you cannot rely on one trick. You read how this opponent plays, then decide whether to merge now or to leave the tub in a bad spot for them.
What we are testing
We are playing many rounds against each opponent to check that they feel different but fair, and that a patient player can always find a way to win. Overflow still decides a round: the player who placed the last stone loses.
What is next
The opponents will keep being tuned as the game takes shape. There is no release date yet. When there is news, it will show up here and in the release notes.