Game AI Pro 2

Chapter 31

Spatial Reasoning for Strategic Decision Making

Kevin Dill

31.1 Introduction

In the real world, no military decision can be made without taking into account the characteristics of the space in which the decision is taking place. Individual soldiers will use cover and concealment, so as to maneuver on the enemy without being shot. Squad leaders will split their team, with one element pinning the enemy in place while the second maneuvers to attack from a flank. Platoon leaders emplacing a defensive perimeter will use their largest weapons to cover the most likely avenues of approach, and use resources such as minefields and barbed wire to constrain the enemy’s maneuverability—forcing them to attack where expected. Beyond small unit ...