procedural generation

• creating data algorithmically, commonly used in rogue-like games for generating

  • textures
  • terrain data in real-time
  • 3D models
  • levels
  • dialogue
  • object spawning
  • loot system based on player level
  • character animation

• benefits:

  • increase replay val
  • data compression
  • reuse data
  • better scalability

guidelines

• data should appear unique; need list of rules to ensure generations don’t break game
  • for ex., enemies don’t spawn out of bounds
• often have “seed” for controlling outcome

techniques

• tiles

• grammar

• distribution

• parametric

• interpretive

  • perlin noise
  • voronoi

• simulation

  • cellular automata

• fractals

• L-systems

• markov chains

• dungeon generation

• constraint solving

related

• voxel grid
• A-star in 3D

references

• medium article for overview
• practical pcg intro
• pg tutorial notes