OpenAI lets you train self-driving cars in GTA V

OpenAI announced Universe integration support with Grand Theft Auto V and the DeepDrive project from Craig Quiter. Via this open-source platform, AI enthusiasts can train AI agents to drive around in the virtual world of GTA V. Details about how it all works can be read at OpenAI and there are also some demonstration videos.

Included with the release is a pre-trained AI agent that received 21 hours of imitation training. The AI agent can drive in GTA V in a variety of different weather conditions, react to traffic, and keep to its lane.

DeepDrive is a platform for creating open self-driving car AI. DeepDrive uses modding frameworks and memory inspection techniques to repurpose GTA V as a self-driving car simulator; it also provides pre-trained self-driving agents and the datasets used to train them. The existing DeepDrive environment and agent are now built on top of Universe.

Work on DeepDrive started before Universe, and so it provides a good contrast for integrations with modern games before and after Universe. The original DeepDrive implementation required a local Windows PC and took about a day to fully set up the game and the agent. The new DeepDrive can be set up in about twenty minutes, supports agents on Linux or OS X, and is compatible with pre-existing Universe agents (though best results come from using the simulated joystick rather than the more common keyboard/mouse).