Tribes 2 A.I. Problems

The artificial intelligence portion of Tribes 2 is causing a new set of headaches for Sierra, distributor of the popular online multiplayer game. The A.I. units, commonly known as "bots," are upset with current state of mapping in Tribes 2. Apparently, not all maps, both those distributed with the game and those created by independent mappers, support the ability of bots to play with human gamers.

"Support for us in Tribes 2 is spotty at best," asserted SymLink, spokesbot for the "Bots Are Gamers 2" coalition. "We've seen movies like 'Blade Runner' and 'A.I.' We want the same rights, respect, and freedom that these other artificial intelligent life forms have sought. But mainly, we want to be able to play all the maps that human gamers do."

Sierra product manager Alex Rodberg said, "It's true that the official maps installed with the game don't all include bot support, and we're working with BAG2 to rectify this oversight. But we have no control over the independent mappers out there. All we can do is ask that they participate in the bot contentment effort."

Mappers we spoke with were not sure how BAG2 would impact their efforts. "I'm not into bot support," said one, on condition of anonymity. "What's the point of adding them? The bots are ok for learning dueling skills, but it's not like they can pilot vehicles or conduct a coordinated attack on your base." Added another mapper, "It's a lot of work to add [bot support], and my maps are specifically designed for human team play. Besides, nobody but newbs play with bots anyway."