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The AI of Alien: Rogue Incursion | AI and Games #84

AI and Games16 June 2026Watch on YouTube

Part of series

Ep. 3 · Alien Incursion Rogue

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Description

Support our work where we explore real AI in games at: http://www.aiandgames.com Alien: Rogue Incursion is the first VR title based on the beloved sci-fi franchise, and developers Survios had to figure out a whole bunch of interesting technical challenges in order to make it work. We dig into the encounter design systems, but more importantly how the xenomorphs are designed to be able to pathfind across the walls and ceilings in order to hunt you down. This episode is based on the GDC 2025 presentation entitled: "Simulating the Perfect Organism in 'Alien: Rogue Incursion" by Eugene Elkin and Curt Perry Chapters [00:00] Intro [01:53] VR Aliens [04:23] Multi-surface Pathfinding [11:02] Encounter Design [13:18] Closing -- Writer and Voice: Tommy Thompson Editing and Production Support: Shraddha Gupta AI and Games Logos: Andy Carolan Theme Music: Ben Ridge -- 'AI and Games' is a YouTube series on research and applications of Artificial Intelligence in video games. Check out all of our content: Website and Newsletter: http://www.aiandgames.com AI and Games: http://www.youtube.com/@AIandGames AI and Games Conference: http://www.youtube.com/@AIandGamesConference Goal State: http://www.youtube.com/@GoalStateAI Livestreams on Twitch: http://www.twitch.tv/aiandgames Join our Discord Community: https://discord.aiandgames.com -- Follow 'AI and Games' on social media. BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/tommy.aiandgames.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aiandgames -- If you're interested in working with us, check out the following: Sponsorship Enquiries: https://www.passionfroot.me/aiandgames Business Enquiries: https://www.aiandgames.com/p/professional-services #Alien #AlienDay #AlienRogueIncursion

What you'll learn

  • Xenomorphs in Alien: Rogue Incursion use advanced pathfinding algorithms to navigate walls and ceilings, which is a unique challenge for VR game design
  • Multi-surface pathfinding enables AI to move naturally between different surfaces, making hunters less predictable and more threatening
  • Encounter design systems determine how and when xenomorphs attack the player, which is central to the game's tension

Frequently asked questions

How do xenomorphs in Alien: Rogue Incursion navigate across multiple surfaces?
The xenomorphs use advanced pathfinding algorithms that enable them to climb walls and ceilings and switch between surfaces. This circumvents traditional pathfinding systems and makes their movements much more natural and threatening in the VR environment.
Why is VR a particular challenge for the AI in this game?
VR brings unique technical requirements, as xenomorphs must navigate not just on flat ground but also three-dimensionally around the player. This requires advanced AI systems that need to simulate far more movement freedom than in traditional games.
What role does encounter design play in Alien: Rogue Incursion?
Encounter design determines how xenomorphs attack and when they confront the player. This system is crucial for creating tension and is tightly integrated with AI pathfinding to deliver immersive confrontations.

Topics

game aipathfindingvr gamesencounter designai applications