[gurps] Failing autopilots and RVO

[Zan Lynx]

Knapp wrote:
>> One other thing about computer software that might come into play is that it
>> is predictable.
> 
> 
> 
> This shows up in real life, in the tactics game players
>> adopt to defeat boss enemies in MMOs, for example.  It shows up in science
>> fiction often as well.  An example of that is in Michael Z. Williamson's
> 
> The problem with that is it would not be true, if the program were to
> use the Monti Carlo to solve the problems. Remember that this gets and
> answer by trying lots of random answers and picking the best bet.
> These random answers are not the same every time. I would also think
> that any combat programmer would know not to let the computer be
> predictable but who knows. On the other hand random is very important
> in tactics of any fighter so I can't see them overlooking that fact.
> Makes good fiction but reality?
> 
>> --
>> Zan Lynx
>> zlynx at acm.org
> 


For the computer, for any decision there is going to be one option that 
is "best".  Choosing the non-best option may confuse the opponent, but 
it still isn't best.  Unless the opponent is expecting the "best" tactic 
  of course.

Sorry, but as a programmer on a government contract are you going to 
write software that uses random choices to obtain 80% effectiveness in 
the government requirements testing or are you going to write software 
that achieves 95% using well chosen almost-always-best tactics?

-- 
Zan Lynx
zlynx at acm.org

"Knowledge is Power.  Power Corrupts.  Study Hard.  Be Evil."