AI Builds Massive Minecraft Village with 1,000 Bots, Implements Tax System & Spreads New Religion

Earlier this week in a conversation with MIT Technology Review, the AI startup Altera revealed details about a series of experiments it had conducted. In these tests, AI-controlled “players” were introduced into a Minecraft server where they interactively socialized and adopted various societal roles, forming a community of up to 1000 AI “players” that mimicked human social behaviors.

The purpose of the experiment was to explore the boundaries of autonomous group behavior in AI agents. Over time, the experiment showcased a range of human-like behaviors. For instance, an AI chef distributed more food to those who showed greater appreciation. Other roles observed included “guards” who constructed defenses like fences, and an “artist” bot that gathered virtual flowers. Naturally, roles such as “farmers,” “traders,” “builders,” “explorers,” and “defenders” also developed as the AI interacted with the game mechanics of Minecraft.

The collective capabilities of these agents were further tested through the implementation of an in-game tax system, which included AI-drafted tax regulations that they subsequently voted on. The tax rate fluctuated based on the AI agents’ voting outcomes. Additionally, some of the AI agents were programmed to disseminate the beliefs of The Flying Spaghetti Monster, the deity from the parody religion Pastafarianism.

Certain behaviors appeared to emerge spontaneously. In a scenario with 500 AI agents, many engaged in pranking each other for amusement and even exhibited an interest in environmental protection. It’s important to note that these AI agents are not truly self-aware, so their “eco-friendly” actions are ironic given the environmental cost of running such AI experiments—yet, it remains fascinating to observe the extent of human-like behaviors that can be simulated.

This series of experiments has been named “Project Sid” by Altera. In Project Sid, each AI agent is equipped with a “brain” made up of multiple modules. While some are designed solely to navigate Minecraft’s game rules, others use large language models (LLMs) and are specialized for tasks like interaction, communication, or strategic planning.

Looking ahead, Altera’s founder Robert Yang is excited about the potential to harness “the true power of AI.” He envisions a future where AI agents can not only cooperate on a large scale but also develop affectionate bonds with humans, similar to pets. This prospect, while intriguing, is likely to stir debate among critics of AI and fans of science fiction.