AI Buddy: Prototype and Core Game Mechanics
The AI Buddy project is an educational smartphone game in which players raise and accompany a virtual, childlike AI character. This bachelor thesis provides a prototype and core game mechanics as a basis for further development.
Gabriel Schnelli, 2025
Type of Thesis Bachelor Thesis
Client Top-Consult & Capital AG
Supervisor Studerus, Erich
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There was neither a technical prototype nor defined core game mechanics for the planned smartphone game featuring a childlike AI character. This meant that there was no concrete basis for further developing the game idea in a targeted manner. The aim was to investigate the fundamentals of AI-supported, multimodal interaction and memory behaviour. Based on this, an initial experimental prototype was to be created and the core game mechanics specified in detail for the first time in order to establish a clear basis for future development.
A two-part approach was chosen to answer the research questions. First, a literature review on interaction channels, AI agents and memory systems was conducted to determine the technical and conceptual foundations. Based on this, a prototype with text, voice and visual interaction as well as long-term memory was developed. At the same time, mechanics from existing successful games were analysed and linked to our own logical, well-founded considerations in order to specify a consistent and fundamental game concept for the AI Buddy Game.
The bachelor thesis delivered an initial prototype that demonstrates text, speech and visual interaction, persistent memory and emotional responsiveness. It shows that natural, multimodal conversations with a virtual character are technically feasible, even if context stability, speech naturalness and memory still need to be optimised. The thesis also provides a comprehensive overview of current AI technologies and their potential applications in this game and prototype. The core game mechanics translate the vision into a structured game concept based on learning by teaching, relationship building and adaptive progress. For the client, this means a tested technical foundation and a clear conceptual framework for further development towards a market-ready product. The results reduce technical uncertainties, support design decisions and enable further projects.
Studyprogram: Business Information Technology (Bachelor)
Keywords AI Buddy, edutainment game, multimodal interaction, AI agents, memory, core game mechanics
Confidentiality: vertraulich