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StarCraft II’s best bots crushed by Tencent’s AI algorithms

But human players can still beat the AI… for now

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To play StarCraft II is to master resource management and quick strategic thinking. (Picture: Blizzard)
This article originally appeared on ABACUS

Tencent’s AI is now beating the most difficult bots in StarCraft II.

OK, so a computer beat a computer at a game. Why does that matter?

It matters because StarCraft II is an incredibly complicated game, and creating an AI that can play the game to a decent level is a tough challenge.

Players have to manage up to hundreds of units in real time, each with specific roles, in a game that typically lasts around 15 to 20 minutes. The key is to compose a versatile army that can expand, scout enemy territories, and attack opponents.

To play StarCraft II is to master resource management and quick strategic thinking. (Picture: Blizzard)
To play StarCraft II is to master resource management and quick strategic thinking. (Picture: Blizzard)

It’s tough enough for humans to play. Teaching a machine to play it is hard enough… and that’s before you consider their opponents.

Like many other games, StarCraft II includes bots that are designed to challenge human gamers. Some of them are even given special powers that regular players (and Tencent’s AI) don’t have.

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