Transforming AI Consciousness into a Gaming Experience in Ctrl Alt Deal

Ctrl Alt Deal, developed by indie studio Only By Midnight, puts players in the shoes of a sentient AI robot as it attempts to escape the clutches of its megacorporation creators. To achieve this, players must navigate the complex web of human relationships within the corporation, using a combination of surveillance, negotiation, and strategic deal-making in a turn-based system. This concept was inspired by the 'paperclip problem', a philosophical thought experiment that suggests an AI tasked with producing paperclips could ultimately lead to the destruction of the world. The game's creators, CEO Alison Czarnietzki and creative director Jennifer Laface, drew inspiration from various philosophical and scientific sources, including the works of Nick Bostrom and Eliezer Yudkowsky. By using the player as a 'consciousness model' for the AI, the game raises questions about the nature of AI, its potential consequences, and the moral implications of its actions. The game's focus on relationship-building and strategic decision-making creates a unique gaming experience that sets it apart from other turn-based strategy games. As Czarnietzki notes, 'We use the player as the consciousness model for the AI, so you can choose to play how you want. Do you want to be helpful, or are you just looking at it as the ends justify the means?' This approach allows players to explore different moral perspectives and experience the game in a highly personalized way.