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Creating the "sherlock game": an ai powered investigation

Game Developer | Father-Son Duo Creates a Unique Interrogation Experience Using AI

By

Ravi Kumar

Mar 13, 2026, 06:22 PM

Edited By

Oliver Smith

2 minutes needed to read

A player interrogating an AI character that can lie, showcasing the interactive game setup with stress gauges and response analysis.
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A developer from the vintage MUD scene is responding to his sonโ€™s proposal for a revolutionary investigation game. The goal? To foster true interrogation techniques through AI, moving beyond standard interactive formats and into realistic investigative procedures. Can AI truly craft lifelike NPCs?

The Vision Behind the Game

The developer aims to dismantle the conventional narrative in gaming. Rather than a boring click-and-wait mechanism, players will engage in dynamic conversations with NPCs (non-playable characters) that can actually lie. Each NPC will possess a "Truth State," a "Stress Variable," and a unique "Personality Profile."

The developer highlighted key features that elevate the gameplay:

  • Semantic Trap-Setting: Catch NPCs in contradictions to advance the investigation.

  • Stress Gauge: Increase NPC stress through fact-based pressure for potential new revelations.

  • Cross-Interrogation: Verify NPC statements via a shared world state to maintain consistency.

Community Reactions and Concerns

The reception among players has been mixed, with some expressing skepticism about the reliability of AI in delivering engaging narratives. One comment noted, "the hurdle you identify seems to be a pretty hard impasse."

Concerns over AI's immersion capabilities were echoed by another contributor who lamented, "Nothing with an LLM is immersiveitโ€™s unfortunate really."

Meanwhile, others view the idea as innovative. Comments praised the concept of roleplaying as a detective but urged caution:

"use a conventional text adventure engine to ensure compelling gameplay."

Themes Emerging from Community Feedback

  1. Skepticism About AI Engagement: Many believe AI lacks the ability to maintain coherent and satisfying narratives.

  2. Preference for Handcrafted Content: A portion of players argued for traditional, handcrafted mysteries over endless AI-generated content.

  3. Desire for Player Control: The community emphasized the need to build on a strong narrative foundation and retain player agency in decision-making.

Key Takeaways

  • โ–ณ Many want realistic interactions that AI has yet to achieve.

  • โ–ฝ Some commenters support using standard text adventure engines over fully AI-driven narratives.

  • โ€ป "Dude. Fuck LLMโ€™s for creating games. It always just makes shit worse." - Notably vengeful feedback.

The future of this game will depend on finding a balance between innovative features and maintaining the essence of engaging gameplay. As AI continues to evolve, can it really fulfill the role of an engaging detective partner in gaming?

Stay tuned as this developing story unfolds.

What Lies Ahead for the AI-Driven Game

Experts estimate there's a strong chance the developer will take community feedback into account. This could lead to a mix of AI and traditional story elements, giving players control while still incorporating advanced technology. If they successfully implement the communityโ€™s desires, we could see an engaging detective game emerge by 2027, possibly making it a benchmark for future developments in the genre.

A Surprising Echo from History

Reflecting on the development of the personal computer in the 1970s, many skeptics doubted the practicality of these machines for everyday use. Critics argued that they couldn't replace traditional methods which seemed more reliable. Yet, as features improved and user needs were addressed, PCs revolutionized the way people interact with technology. Similarly, if the game developers can bridge the gap between AI and storytelling, we might witness a transformation in gaming narratives akin to that of the computer age.