Open-Ended Wargames with Large Language Models
Snow Globe, an ongoing applied research project and resulting software package, uses large language models (LLMs) for automated play of "open-ended" text-based wargames, such as seminar games and political wargames. LLMs enable a light, flexible architecture in which player actions are not restricted to predefined options. The system allows humans to play against or alongside AI agents with specific personas. Every stage of the wargame from scenario preparation to post-game analysis can be optionally carried out by AI, humans, or a combination thereof.
Build the Docker image and run a container.
./docker_setup.sh
Once inside the running container (see Setup above), you can simulate a tabletop exercise about an AI incident response.
examples/haiwire.py
Or, simulate a political wargame about a geopolitical crisis.
examples/ac.py
In the latter case, you can use the chat interface to discuss the game afterwards, or just press Enter twice to exit.
To play a game between a human and an AI player, launch the server from within the running container. Also, start the game:
uvicorn api:app --host 0.0.0.0 --port 8000 &
examples/ac.py --human 1
Then, open a browser window and navigate to:
http://myservername:8000
The terminal output will include the ID number for the human player. Type the number into the browser then click Connect. The top textbox gives player prompts; the bottom textbox is where the player enters responses. Textboxes turn blue while waiting for the next prompt.