Introducing AI Material to CS4730 – Game Design; Advocating for Privacy when Personal Information Is Currency

Author:
Shoorbajee, Karim, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia

Advisors:
Norton, Peter, EN-Engineering and Society, University of Virginia
Marathe, Madhav, PV-Biocomplexity Initiative, University of Virginia

Abstract:

Software can better serve its human users.
Video games often include non-playable characters and opponents controlled by Artificial
Intelligence. A proposed AI unit was developed for incorporation into CS 4730. It explains what
AI is in games and covers things like enemy/npc AI and AI in virtual tabletop games. The
proposal includes a week’s worth of material to be taught in this unit and how it will fit into the
course as it is. It also includes examples of homework based in the Unity game engine that would
be completed alongside the instruction. Well programmed AI makes games more balanced,
immersive, and enjoyable. Modern games are utilizing increasingly complex and believable AIs
so an AI unit is of great importance to a game design class.
the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights states “No one shall be
subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy... Everyone has the right to the protection of
the law against such interference or attacks.” How do internet users advocate for their personal
privacy against companies that rely on selling user information to advertisers to make revenue
(e.g. Facebook and Google)? Internet users have advocated for their privacy by arguing they
should be compensated for their data, declaring privacy as a human right, using technology that
protects their privacy, and advocating against intrusive company data policies.