I think you could build a MUD that used the AI to fill in the blanks, elaborate and keep everything cohesive. So the core is a real (modified) MUD engine that is deeply integrated with GPT. You use GPT to make the place more alive, to add some variety to places.

Say you prompt GPT to think of something different that happens, given a description and time of day.

You can keep all of the stuff like multiple users interacting with each other. You can also have an automated interface for admins to add on to the world. And it might be even easier to recruit people for that because you would have the AI to check what they were doing for quality and style or plot consistency etc. and fit it into the system, even automatically translate some mechanics or parameters into code.

Part of each prompt for combat or something would be the player stats and inventory. It could also have commands like "roll dice" or "next combat turn" etc. People can talk and interact. With GPT4 especially it should enable new possibilities, like custom encounters or areas that are designed on-the-fly for an ad-hoc group.

I think that an integration of GPT4 with things like MUDs has incredible potential.

Then you attach it to a graphics engine…

This is my current late night hack, tying GPT to a simple MUD-style text adventure, to fill out room descriptions, area descriptions, spells, etc. And trying to use a real game object structure to enforce consistency etc. so can navigate the world effectively. It’s definitely got potential.

I find a lot of this stuff depressing also, even though I don't think this will replace DMs just based on quality. Notice the group just abandoned their adventure mid-way through. Doesn't seem compelling. The danger in my mind is people think these automated things give them as sample of a real game.

I run a daily text game as well playing and GMing in person. Games are out-there now that covid is receding.

There's been a solo rpg movement around for a long time. And solitaire is literally one of the og single player board games - it's literally in the name (translates to lone or loner)! And personally, I consider all fiction authors and screenwriters to be solo rpg gamers, they just don't have to abide by any specific rules other than their own. There's room for both social and solo pursuits in life and it's not necessarily depressing to engage in the solo if the person is enjoying themselves.

I actually disagree. The biggest issue I have with arranging a D&D campaign is that noone wants to DM. I've already said to my kids that should play in this manner and they are keen to try. Now we all get to play.

On the other hand you don't have to worry about people complaining that you are ruining it by, metagaming, skipping the story, rebelling against other players, etc.