Optimizing Visual Properties of Game Content through Neuroevolution

This paper presents a search-based approach to generating
game content that satisfies both gameplay requirements
and user-expressed aesthetic criteria. Using evolutionary
constraint satisfaction, we search for spaceships (for a
space combat game) represented as compositional pattern-producing
networks. While the gameplay requirements are
satisfied by ad-hoc defined constraints, the aesthetic evaluation
function can also be informed by human aesthetic judgement.
This is achieved using indirect interactive evolution,
where an evaluation function re-weights an array of aesthetic
criteria based on the choices of a human player. Early results
show that we can create aesthetically diverse and interesting
spaceships while retaining in-game functionality.