Dirk and David are joined by legendary interactive fiction writer and creative director of Failbetter Games Emily Short. The trio discuss Emily’s career, her contributions to interactive fiction, and some of her thoughts on both traditional game AI and modern generative AI. Topics include modeling relationships in games, player psychology and how much information to give, and how game AI can be used in non-combat oriented experiences.

Episode Outline

0:00 Beginning of Show

1:02 End of Intro

1:15 What does Emily do

9:38 Emily and AI

22:43 Future of Creatives with Generative AI

26:47 Emily’s Legacy

31:27 AI Text Replacement

35:30 Games Focusing on Non-Combat

45:14 Playing the Minimap

48:58 Advice for Listeners

50:08 Outro

51:13 End of Show