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Free AI Gaming Software Promises Programming Fun

New gaming software offers programmers a new avenue to code for fun: Bots: AI Battlefront. Combat vehicles compete on a 3-D battlefield, but instead of being controlled by humans, they are driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI) programs written by the player/programmer.

Atlanta, GA. May 30, 2007. Omega Technical Systems, LLC has announced the release of Bots: AI Battlefront, free-of-charge gaming software that puts the player in the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) programmer. Players code the instructions for their bots (combat vehicles) to follow in combat against other bots, and then watch their performance as the game scenario plays out on a 3-D battlefield.

The game's primary focus is on programming, letting players design and develop AI that will prove victorious on the battlefield. Hand-eye coordination and real-time human control give way to automation and intelligent design.

With instructions like Move, Scan, Turn, and Fire, an AI program tells the bot what to do and feeds it information about its surroundings. Depending on its program, a bot can advance and attack, run and hide, or any number of actions. Bots can also communicate with each other for a team-based approach.

Since bots can perform a variety of tasks, players will likely appreciate the comprehensive User Guide and detailed programming reference. These are designed to give players the information they need to write AI and get the most enjoyment out of the product.

Because players can pit their creations against each other or against those written by other players, the gaming system may bring opportunities for different types of challenges, and what amounts to unlimited competition and collaboration among players.

The company anticipates that both new and experienced programmers will especially enjoy the experience because it provides an outlet for doing something they probably already enjoy, but in a different and perhaps more exciting arena.

Author Phil Baggett, a software developer with over 10 years in software engineering, believes the product will have strong appeal for programmers. "The aim is to combine the challenges and rewards of programming with the fun and excitement of 3 D gaming," he explained. "A lot of developers love what they do -- they have a real passion for it. And in terms of 3-D game combat, it's even more fun when your program literally blows away the competition."

The product admittedly borrows from earlier game ideas in which "AI programming" is the central focus of game-play. The company hopes to revive the concept in a big way, while bringing it up to date with today's newer technologies, capitalizing on the availability of modern development tools with features like real-time testing and debugging.

The company expects wide appeal in part because of the open design of the gaming system. Players can choose from any language that targets the .NET platform, rather than being restricted to a single, scripting language for example. "You can use what you know or what you’re more comfortable learning, whether that's C#, Visual Basic, or whatever," suggested Mr. Baggett.

The price tag is undoubtedly a major point of attraction as well: the product is available free of charge to individuals. Offering a full, unrestricted product at no charge gives it a much broader audience, resulting in what the company hopes to be a big following.

"We want this to be available for anyone to play around with," Mr. Baggett clarified, "and offering it for free provides accurate insight into the real interest level of this kind of product. We think people will have loads of fun with it, but improvements and add-ons will depend on community interest. User feedback will be crucial in determining the product's longevity."

Founded in 2004, Omega Technical Systems, LLC develops software solutions specializing in .NET Smart Client applications and tools. The company performs custom development services and provides software products to the Internet community.

For additional information, visit the company's product Web site at http://omegatechsys.com/Products/Bots.

Contact:

Phil Baggett, Founder and Developer
Omega Technical Systems, LLC
PhilB -at- omegatechsys.com
http://omegatechsys.com