# Skilled Experience Catalogue: A Skill-Balancing Mechanism for Non-Player Characters using Reinforcement Learning

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1806.07637 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1806.07637/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 20 Jun 2018.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [AlphaDDA: Strategies for Adjusting the Playing Strength of a Fully Trained AlphaZero System to a Suitable Human Training Partner](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2111.06266/) (2021)

## Abstract (arXiv)

In this paper, we introduce a skill-balancing mechanism for adversarial non-player characters (NPCs), called Skilled Experience Catalogue (SEC). The objective of this mechanism is to approximately match the skill level of an NPC to an opponent in real-time. We test the technique in the context of a First-Person Shooter (FPS) game. Specifically, the technique adjusts a reinforcement learning NPC's proficiency with a weapon based on its current performance against an opponent. Firstly, a catalogue of experience, in the form of stored learning policies, is built up by playing a series of training games. Once the NPC has been sufficiently trained, the catalogue acts as a timeline of experience with incremental knowledge milestones in the form of stored learning policies. If the NPC is performing poorly, it can jump to a later stage in the learning timeline to be equipped with more informed decision-making. Likewise, if it is performing significantly better than the opponent, it will jump to an earlier stage. The NPC continues to learn in real-time using reinforcement learning but its policy is adjusted, as required, by loading the most suitable milestones for the current circumstances.