Players navigating through the vast world of Candy Crush Saga, with its more than 18,700 levels, might be surprised to learn that artificial intelligence (AI) plays a key role behind the scenes in crafting and maintaining these puzzles. The popular mobile game, developed by the Swedish company King, leverages AI not only to design new levels but also to update and refine older ones. This approach helps keep the gameplay fresh and prevents players from feeling stuck or frustrated as they progress.
Todd Green, general manager of the Candy Crush franchise, explains that AI allows developers to handle the massive task of managing thousands of levels more efficiently. Without AI, updating and reconfiguring such a large number of puzzles would be extremely difficult and time-consuming. By automating initial drafts and adjustments, the design team can focus on creating new challenges while AI assists with the heavy lifting of maintaining the existing content.
The use of AI in video game development is a topic of ongoing debate. Some industry professionals view it as a valuable tool for handling repetitive tasks, enabling designers and artists to dedicate their efforts to more complex creative work, such as building immersive worlds and interactive non-player characters. However, others express concern that AI could threaten jobs within the industry, including those of actors, performers, and game developers. This tension contributed to a strike by game performers under the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) in mid-2024.
Green reassures that AI is not being introduced into the gameplay itself or used to replace human workers. Instead, it serves as a supportive technology that speeds up and improves the accuracy of the design process. King continuously analyzes player data, including pass rates and how often players reshuffle boards, to understand player experience and adjust levels accordingly. While some aspects of fun are subjective, AI helps identify where players might get stuck or lose interest.
Since its launch on Facebook in 2012, Candy Crush has evolved through hundreds of updates, recently releasing its 300th client version. The game maintains its appeal by constantly delivering new content to a dedicated player base. As mobile gaming leads the market with billions spent annually, AI helps King meet the high demand for fresh and engaging puzzles by accelerating level creation and enhancement, ensuring the game remains both challenging and entertaining.
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