I’m almost done with version 1.11, which will perhaps be the most important version released yet. Why? Because I’m finally adding smart, human-like, multiplayer bots! Honestly I should have done this years ago and need feedback on how best to implement them. If you want to give suggestions leave a reply here, in the Steam Forums, or join the discussion in Discord.

These bots will help pad multiplayer servers and also give new singleplayer options too. They’ll be a great way to practice your skills in game modes like Conquest or Capture the Flag. So far I’ve coded in the ability to buy weapons, unlock skills, and drive vehicles. Today I’m giving them the ability to place chemicals and if I have time, capture game objectives.

How Hard Should the Bots Be?
One issue that Geneshift had before was when newbies joined for the first time, they often got killed by more experienced players. Happens in all shooters against real people. But against bots I can tailor their behaviour, accuracy, reflexes and overall difficulty to create a fun challenge. This will be far nicer to noobs and give them a great way to practice the game.

The question is though, how exactly does one measure the performance of a new player? By what metric? KD Ratio? Game objectives completed? And suppose we choose something like KD ratio, what should the ideal ratio be? Should bots aim to provide a healthy 1:1 challenge, or should they be easier? I’d love some feedback on this.

Let me know in the comments how difficult you think these human-like bots should be. Or leave some feedback in the official Discord chat.

Have fun!