A Microsoft researcher built a goat-powered LLM in Age of Empires II to prove it's not sentient
A Microsoft researcher used goats in Age of Empires II to build a neural network, challenging current notions of AI sentience.
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The brief
A Microsoft researcher has constructed a functioning neural network and Large Language Model (LLM) using goats within the game Age of Empires II. The project serves as an absurdist critique of AI science and the concept of chatbot consciousness.
Coverage from The Decoder, Tom's Hardware, XDA, and 404 Media emphasizes that the project intends to mock the idea of AI consciousness. One report notes the project suggests that if AI is considered sentient, then Age of Empires II would be as well.
Future focus remains on the researcher's critique of AI science and the associated essay regarding human attributes mentioned in Windows Central coverage.
Synthesized by Archynetys from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: all claims supported by sources Updated 22h ago.
Quick answers
What was used to build the neural network?
The network was built using goats within the game Age of Empires II.
What is the purpose of the 'goaty experiment'?
It is intended to critique AI science and mock the idea that chatbots possess consciousness.
Who is behind the project?
The project was created by a Microsoft researcher.
Coverage (5)
- Microsoft researcher builds a working neural network out of goats in Age of Empires II to critique AI science The Decoder · 2d ago
- An Age of Empires II fan wrote a full essay on human attributes, and it’s a surprisingly thoughtful read Windows Central · 2d ago
- Age of Empires II’s goats used as AI building blocks to build a neural network — goaty experiment mocks the idea of chatbot consciousness, Microsoft AI researcher’s project makes an absurdist point about AI consciousness Tom's Hardware · 2d ago
- If AI Is Sentient Then So Is ‘Age of Empires II’ 404 Media · 2d ago
- A Microsoft researcher built a goat-powered LLM in Age of Empires II to prove it's not sentient XDA · 2d ago
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