This time on Grand Theft Game Design, our on-going article series fleshing out the more technical bits of GTA 5, we'll be tackling the game's AI. In the past we've looked at static and dynamic objects, answering why the trees are indestructible, as well as instancing and interiors, looking at how multiple players can own the same property but have their own apartments. Today, you'll learn why the relatively well crafted and intelligent AI in the game's singleplayer goes retarded when switching to Online.
First of all, it's important to understand that GTA 5 is primarily CPU intensive. Different games are built and optimized differently, and while some will hog your GPU, others will mostly rely on your CPU and RAM. GTA 5 falls into the latter category, which is why a system with a top end graphics card and a mid-range CPU won't run the game at a steady 60 FPS on higher settings. The game's reliance on RAM is also why using SSD's doesn't decrease loading times.
When playing GTA 5's story mode, you might have made note of relatively intelligent AI when fighting enemies, especially police. These small tidbits usually show up in longer, drawn-out firefights, but you'll see unharmed opponents dragging wounded allies behind cover, call out your location to one another, try to flank you and more. They'll generally stick to cover and use some semblance of tactics even, though nothing particularly hard to outwit.
