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Introduction (and why I like this setting)
#1
Alright, I finally joined. Smile

I haven't seen many Sci-Fi settings where AIs are the primary characters. Most directors I've seen prefer to use human characters.

I am fascinated by how transophonts may think!

This seems like a very unique setting.
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#2
Welcome!

Have you read the Culture novels by Ian m Banks, Diaspora by Greg Egan, or books like House of Suns by Alastaire Reynolds?
They were very big inspirations for the setting, from the beginning Smile
You might enjoy these lists

Explore > Links and Extras > Acknowledgements : Scientists, Futurists and Writers who have inspired the Orion's Arm Scenario
https://www.orionsarm.com/xcms.php?r=oa-...ledgements
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#3
(09-20-2024, 12:29 PM)DSPE Wrote: Most directors I've seen prefer to use human characters.

I guess it is more relatable to modern audiences. Stories are meant to display a narrative and convey emotions/messages, and it is harder to do that when characters have vastly different psychologies to the audience. It is harder to empathize with someone who is feeling the emotions of "*@#$&*(LKjwe" and "*&8(6sji38r"

Anyways, welcome, hope you enjoy your time here!  Big Grin
Yes Worldtree, I see your Rainbow  Rainbow Alien
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#4
Welcome to OA! Smile
Introverts of the World - Unite! Separately....In our own homes.
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#5
Wow! People replied!

I have never joined a community before!

I haven't actually seen very few settings.

Some settings (like Endless Sky) are in the far future, but don't seen to have any AI at all, even though it should be possible.
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#6
In Endless Sky (a video game), this is justified for humans, because apparently the Republic has banned advanced AI. Though one guy does technically turn himself digital, against the Law. Does that count as "artificial intelligence"?

However, I wonder why more advanced races (like the Quarg, who are apparently peaceful, or the Wanderers) do not use AI for most aspects of their society...
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#7
(09-20-2024, 02:59 PM)MiyuwiAuthor Wrote:
(09-20-2024, 12:29 PM)DSPE Wrote: Most directors I've seen prefer to use human characters.

I guess it is more relatable to modern audiences. Stories are meant to display a narrative and convey emotions/messages, and it is harder to do that when characters have vastly different psychologies to the audience. It is harder to empathize with someone who is feeling the emotions of "*@#$&*(LKjwe" and "*&8(6sji38r"

If you think about it, most characters from media that we feel empathy for have vaguely human qualities, even if they aren't human (or humanoid).

Think the Companion Cube from portal. It isn't even sentient or alive, but people felt affection for it, apparently!

It would be interesting to see how people could feel empathy for more beings if they ascend or modify themselves.
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#8
(09-20-2024, 01:23 PM)Worldtree Wrote: Have you read the Culture novels by Ian m Banks, Diaspora by Greg Egan, or books like House of Suns by Alastaire Reynolds?
They were very big inspirations for the setting, from the beginning Smile

No, I haven't read those books, but thanks for recommend them - I will, soon! I usually don't read fiction, though. I usually play it.

To be clear, this is what I'm familiar with when it comes to science fiction:
- Endless Sky
- NAEV
- Mindustry
- Pioneer
- Oolite

Somehow, in all of these far-future settings, there is a lack of intelligent AI!

This is probably the most unique setting I have seen so far.

I can't wait to make content for it!

Wouldn't it be nice if there was a video game based on this setting?
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#9
(09-21-2024, 07:53 PM)DSPE Wrote:
(09-20-2024, 01:23 PM)Worldtree Wrote: Have you read the Culture novels by Ian m Banks, Diaspora by Greg Egan, or books like House of Suns by Alastaire Reynolds?
They were very big inspirations for the setting, from the beginning Smile

No, I haven't read those books, but thanks for recommend them - I will, soon!. To be clear, this is what I'm familiar with when it comes to science fiction:
- Endless Sky
- NAEV
- Mindustry
- Pioneer
- Oolite

Somehow, in all of these far-future settings, there is a lack of intelligent AI!

This is probably the most unique setting I have seen so far.

I can't wait to make content for it!

looking forward to whatever you come up with Big Grin

yeah just so you know, you've only experienced the tip of the iceberg in science fiction. If you ever get around to exploring the long history of this genre outside of those video games (no pressure- there's many other facets to life) there are thousands of stories with intelligent AI , and with intelligent AIs as characters.

everything from "Colossus: the forbin project" (1970 film) to the Bobiverse novels by Dennis E. Taylor. to Blindsight by peter watts, to this shared setting we've build together for 24 years now.

Quote:In Endless Sky (a video game), this is justified for humans, because apparently the Republic has banned advanced AI. Though one guy does technically turn himself digital, against the Law. Does that count as "artificial intelligence"?
However, I wonder why more advanced races (like the Quarg, who are apparently peaceful, or the Wanderers) do not use AI for most aspects of their society...

a person who turns themselves digital is usually called an 'upload" , "uploaded mind" or something like that, as far as i know. That's usually considered different than an "artificial intelligence" .
but why don't the aliens in those video games have AIs? because the game designers decided the aliens shouldn't have them for some narrative reason?
it's odd- i think there's a variety of ways to make aliens feel "alien" or "advanced" but adding that they have superintelligent AIs running their society brings a specific aesthetic.
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#10
(09-20-2024, 02:59 PM)MiyuwiAuthor Wrote:
(09-20-2024, 12:29 PM)DSPE Wrote: Most directors I've seen prefer to use human characters.

I guess it is more relatable to modern audiences. Stories are meant to display a narrative and convey emotions/messages, and it is harder to do that when characters have vastly different psychologies to the audience. It is harder to empathize with someone who is feeling the emotions of "*@#$&*(LKjwe" and "*&8(6sji38r"

Anyways, welcome, hope you enjoy your time here!  Big Grin

The most Starfish Alien I've seen so far is The Thing from "The Thing" (1982). It's also terrifiying.

A story by Peter Watts titled "The Things" narrates this story from the alien's own POV. Very interesting.

I mean, you can kind of understand it, but its morality is very different from that of human morality. TLDR: It's a hive mind that can consume biological matter (including humans) and morph itself to imitate them!
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