Enemy AI and buildings

[jpm224 1]

First off let me start by saying that I think Arma III is great, and I consider it the first true "next-gen" game that I've played.

With that said, one of the things that still bugs me is the fact that even on multiple Domination/Annex+Invade servers, I have not encountered one single enemy hiding out or occupying a building inside a town. You guys spent so long making every single building in this game open, Bohemia, and it's amazing! But what exactly is the purpose of that if we never get the chance to fight in them?

While I've obviously found the open buildings useful as firing positions, rally points, etc. for my squad, I can't help but imagine how much more intense Arma III's urban combat would be with players having to sometimes actually clear house to house, room to room. The AI in this game uses suppressive fire+movement, WILL outflank you if get complacent, and (aimbot aside) is all around quite impressive in my opinion. As such, it seems silly that a squad of OPFOR should prefer to lay in an open road engaging me, rather than retreating into the two-story walled compound behind them.

Maybe it can't be done, maybe Bohemia or the mission-makers decided that would take way too long to program, play, or both. But when compared to how well Arma III replicates the rest of (near)modern warfare, the AI's refusal/inability to make use of these open buildings just seems like a missed opportunity for more realistic urban combat.

[froggyluv 2136]

Funny that you've never encountered them inside as they do wander into houses incidentally yet I've never played those missions.

That said, yes I agree what this is the AI 'elephant in the room'. I don't see this as being on the radar for this series anytime soon if ever -that being, AI that will use an interior in any sort of an effective way. Imagine a MG'er set up up in a window somewhere, a sniper lurking on some unknown floor or popping shots from windows than ducking, an AI holed up inside in a defensive garrison posture. Sure you can script/place them inside but they won't fight effectively in any manner at all. Shame this wasn't advanced as it would really bring a whole new dimension to the game.

[wipman 1]

Hi, when the AI detects NME pressence some of 'em use to go prone, this also happens indoors and some of this AI (linked to an AI that's outdoors) don't stand up ever again at the same time that they can't/are unable to find the way out of the room; it sucks. On CQB you never go prone inside a house IRL, the sad thing... is that im sure that this wont change on the game's life because that's how they did the AI. Let's C ya

[rye1 22]

^ Never say never.

They already walk around like headless chickens in buildings, engaging one-shot head-shots at two meters with instant-turning actions - prone camping head-shot expertise that is. That isn't enough for you?

Edited November 14, 2013 by Rye

[jgbtl292 0]

That said, yes I agree what this is the AI 'elephant in the room'. I don't see this as being on the radar for this series anytime soon if ever -that being, AI that will use an interior in any sort of an effective way. Imagine a MG'er set up up in a window somewhere, a sniper lurking on some unknown floor or popping shots from windows than ducking, an AI holed up inside in a defensive garrison posture. Sure you can script/place them inside but they won't fight effectively in any manner at all. Shame this wasn't advanced as it would really bring a whole new dimension to the game.

and when its only a modul and the placed ai cant run or other - only hold and defent here position - i say yes yes yes !!! look the campaign .... 3-4 ai stand in th area and wait of you ...... not one good defend position all stay in the villages on the street and make to pick one's nose ... sandbags in a window with a mg gunner snipers in the roofs - guys who hold his possiton behind a fence or corner ... thats make immersion ;) not ai run as a chicken on the streets ....