Tech - Practical Utility Theory for Game AI (David Rez Graham)

Training created on 6/30/25. Last update on 9/26/25.
Programme version: 1
Satisfaction rate of learners
9,4/10 (7 review)

Type of training

Distance learning

Training duration

8 hours (4 days)

Accessibility

Yes
€ Excluding VAT
Sign-up
€ Excluding VAT
Sign-up
€ Excluding VAT
Sign-up

Tech - Practical Utility Theory for Game AI (David Rez Graham)


Use the decision-making techniques behind some of the most adaptable and intelligent game AI to create more believable characters. This course explores utility theory as a practical framework for AI behavior design, which is widely used in both indie and AAA titles. Taught by Rez Graham, an AI developer who has built a career around building systems for dynamic gameplay, you’ll learn how to apply these methods to evaluate competing goals, score actions, and create scalable, flexible AI for your own projects. 1. Introduction to Utility Theory & Implementation a. What is utility theory? b. Mathematics and Psychology c. Core components: scoring, curves, and goal evaluation d. Utility Architecture 2. Decision Design a. Variations on implementations b. Designing decisions c. Exercise: Designing an agent 3. Knowledge Representation & Analysis a. Internal knowledge representation and modifying behavior b. World analysis c. Hierarchical systems d. Introspection and tools 4. Real-World Analysis a. Case studies: examples from shipped games b. Deep analysis of real implementation c. Using utility theory outside of game AI d. Wrap-up, Q&A, and further learning paths

Objectives of the training

  • Understand the core principles of utility theory and how they apply to AI decision- making in games.
  • Learn to design scoring functions to evaluate different actions.
  • Know how to combine an infinite number of considerations into a single decision.
  • Master techniques for building scalable and flexible utility-based AI systems.
  • Apply utility theory to non-AI systems to allow for more emergent gameplay.

Profile of beneficiaries

For whom
  • Gameplay Programmers
  • AI Programmers
Requirements
  • Programming/Mathematics Background.
  • A very basic familiarity with game AI.
  • Masterclass in English

Training content

Introduction to Utility Theory & Implementation
  • What is utility theory?
  • Mathematics and Psychology
  • Core components: scoring, curves, and goal evaluation
  • Utility Architecture
Decision Design
  • Variations on implementations
  • Designing decisions
  • Exercise: Designing an agent
Knowledge Representation & Analysis
  • Internal knowledge representation and modifying behavior
  • World analysis
  • Hierarchical systems
  • Introspection and tools
Real-World Analysis
  • Case studies: examples from shipped games
  • Deep analysis of real implementation
  • Using utility theory outside of game AI
  • Wrap-up, Q&A, and further learning paths

Teaching team

David “Rez” Graham is a senior AI programmer currently working independently on a self-funded unannounced project. He is also the Director of Game Programming at the Academy of Art University’s School of Game Development where he built the entire Game Programming curriculum from scratch. He has worked in the games industry as an engineer since 2005 spending most of that time working on various kinds of AI, from platformer enemy AI to full simulation games. Most recently, he was the Lead AI Programmer on The Sims 4 at Maxis. Prior to that, he worked at PlayFirst, Slipgate Ironworks, Planet Moon Studios, and Super-Ego Games. He is the co-author of Game Coding Complete, 4th Edition, has two articles in Game AI Pro, one article in Game AI Pro 3, and regularly speaks at The Game Developers Conference. Rez spends his free time acting, performing magic, and running tabletop RPGs.

Monitoring of implementation and evaluation of results

  • Evaluation des compétences acquises via un questionnaire

Quality and satisfaction

Satisfaction rate of learners
9,4/10 (7 review)

Certification procedures

Expected results at the end of the training
  • Délivrance d'un certificat de réalisation.

Reception capacity

Between 4 and 15 learners

Login delay

2 weeks

Accessibility

Pour les entreprises qui souhaitent une prise en charge par leur OPCO, l’inscription doit être réalisée au plus tard deux semaines avant le début de la formation pour respecter les délais d’instruction des OPCO. Dans les autres cas, les inscriptions peuvent être enregistrées jusqu’à 2 jours ouvrés avant le démarrage de la formation. Accessibilité : Nous sommes à la disposition des personnes en situation de handicap pour évaluer avec elles les a