Real-time Decision Systems -- nucl.ai Conference

As spatial query systems such as EQS (Unreal Engine 4), TPS (CryEngine), and PQS (Luminous Studio) have matured, auto-generated spatial queries are increasingly relied upon for robust dynamic position selection. We present a series of techniques and extensions to these systems used by Square Enix to produce novel behaviors and improve position selection in our current generation of AAA RPG titles. In addition, we have expanded UE4's Environment Query System to serve as a general-purpose utility system; we show how minor modifications allowed the team to use EQS to coordinate combat, reduce behavior tree complexity with a hybrid BT/US approach, and increase character AI quality for a range of tasks such as action and target selection. Attendees will learn how to get the most out of modern spatial query systems with a combination of new techniques and best practices to maximize quality and extend their application to new areas.