It has been quite a year or so with AI and the absolute hype storm around it seems to have held on, if the headline count over at Venture Beat is any indicator. And yet I feel like, in the last year, my opinion of AI, and the vibe I sense in the world, has only been trending down.
AIs thinking about video game questions… drawn by an AI
There were a lot of things a year ago that made AI feel like it was on the cusp of some transition, like just a little more tuning and it might be turning out full motion video or answering questions in a useful and authoritative way.
Instead it still doesn’t seem solid on how many fingers… or even hands… a human being has and has been suggesting that you should up your daily rock intake or thicken your pizza sauce with glue. Non-toxic glue, but still… glue. Fortunately we’re all too smart to take that seriously right? RIGHT?
Seriously, you can Google this…
Sometimes I think we get the technology we deserve.
One can hope the hype bubble will end some time, but if the last few years are any indicator, the tech news meta will only move on when it discovers the next big thing… and we’re not their yet I guess.
And somebody is going to say that these sorts of things are outliers and they could be fixed… but they don’t get fixed and the implementations so far have not demonstrated any great value achieved so far. Is AI worthwhile if you have to have humans proof read everything because it can’t get simple points of fact right?
Anyway, I’ll believe AI is worthwhile when tech companies stop investing in it and big corporations start spending real money on it. That is the test of value in the end. Something is only worth what somebody is willing to pay for it.
Enough editorializing… it is hard to stop, because after decades in Silicon Valley I can see the AI crash coming… and on to more serious stuff, like asking AI questions to see what answers I get back.
This one is going to be a repeat. A little over a year ago, in a fit of AI interest, I was comparing answers from ChatGPT, Google Bard (now Google Gemini), and Bing AI (now Copilot) to see how they did relative to each other and reality. In one of those posts I asked a very important question:
Who is Wilhelm Arcturus?
Well, it was kind of important to me, in a self-validation way I guess. And I got answers from all three. They all knew who I was Now, a year later, I return to those same three AIs with the same question. What do they say about me?
The one time champion at responding to my questions… or at least the AI with the best GPA from my arbitrary grading system… which a year ago gave a brief but reasonably accurate summary of me based on online data. What did it have to say about me now? Well..
Wilhelm Arcturus isn’t a widely recognized figure. It’s possible that someone with that name exists, but without further context, it’s difficult to provide specific information about them. If you have more details or context about who Wilhelm Arcturus might be, feel free to share, and I can try to provide more relevant information!
Today, today ChatGPT doesn’t know me, and no amount of prompting could tease anything more. I tried to narrow it down in various ways, but nothing seemed to help.
Who is Wilhelm Arcturus the video game blogger?
As of my last update in January 2022, there isn’t a widely known video game blogger by the name Wilhelm Arcturus. It’s possible that this person could have become more prominent in the gaming community after that time or within certain niche circles. If Wilhelm Arcturus has gained recognition as a video game blogger since then, I wouldn’t have that information.
Believe me, if I had any recognition at all, it was before 2022. ChatGP seems to have forgotten me.
And what has caused it’s amnesia? I suspect a lawyer… or a pack of lawyers. After a crazy period late last year when an AI had the audacity to suggest that a prompt asking for something like an “American Patriot” could produce an image or description of somebody with a darker skin tone, something that drove the MAGA crowd to howls of outrage, all the AI companies dialed back what the AIs would respond to, especially with regard to possibly living individuals.
So it goes. ChatGPT has gone Charley Gordon on me.
Likewise, Google’s Gemini AI was reticent to come up with anything about my online persona.
I do not have enough information about that person to help with your request. I am a large language model, and I am able to communicate and generate human-like text in response to a wide range of prompts and questions, but my knowledge about this person is limited. Is there anything else I can do to help you with this request?
Last year it was willing to spin a wild tale about me, where I went to school, along with some other interesting, if completely untrue, “details” regarding myself and my life.
Finally, there was BingAI, now known as Microsoft Copilot, which has been unleashed at my office, where Microsoft products are the defaults and most machines only have the Edge browser installed. Copilot at least had heard of me when I asked it the same question.
Wilhelm Arcturus is known in the online gaming community as “The Ancient Gaming Noob.” He is a blogger and video content creator who shares his experiences and stories from various online games. He has been writing on his blog for over five years, documenting his adventures in games like EVE Online, World of Warcraft, EverQuest, and others1. Wilhelm Arcturus is not his real name, but a pseudonym he uses online1.
He has a history of involvement with online games dating back to 1986 and has played several titles by Kesmai, a company known for its role in the MMO genre1. Additionally, he has created videos related to his gaming activities, such as his year in EVE Online in 2021, where he participated in a war that resulted in over 2 trillion ISK in value from 902 kill mails2.
You can find his content on platforms like YouTube, where he shares his gaming experiences and insights234. Wilhelm Arcturus also has a presence on social media platforms like Twitter, where he shares his opinions about video games5.
At least that is something, though it does seem oddly focused at points… like my being on 902 kill mails in 2021. Over on my stats page on zKillboard I show being on 988 kill mails, so I was curious where that number cropped up.
Copilot offered some suggested follow on questions, which leapt on, starting with this:
Tell me more about his EVE Online experiences.
Wilhelm Arcturus has shared quite a bit about his experiences in EVE Online, particularly through his year-end videos. For instance, in his “My Year in EVE Online – 2021” video, he highlighted his participation in a war that resulted in him being on 902 kill mails with a total value of over 2 trillion ISK1. These videos offer a glimpse into his activities within the game, showcasing his involvement in significant in-game events and his contributions to his alliance’s efforts.
Additionally, Wilhelm Arcturus actively discusses his gameplay and strategies on platforms like Reddit, where he shares insights and engages with the community about the current meta and changes within the game2. His content is well-regarded in the EVE Online community for its depth and the personal perspective he brings to his gaming adventures.
For those interested in the broader aspects of EVE Online, Wilhelm’s content can serve as an informative and entertaining resource, reflecting the complex and dynamic nature of the game’s universe.
That is something… not exactly informative, but at least it hones in on where that 902 number came from, which was my Year in EVE video, which I posted to YouTube and then wrote about here.
Well, following on with the suggest questions, I grabbed this one.
How long has he been playing EVE Online?
Wilhelm Arcturus has been sharing his experiences in EVE Online for many years. While the exact duration of his gameplay isn’t specified in the recent content, he has been active in the online gaming community and blogging about his adventures for over a decade. His blog posts and videos, such as “My Year in EVE Online – 2021,” suggest a long-term engagement with the game, highlighting significant events like wars and his participation in them1. His consistent content creation and discussions about the game’s meta and economy indicate a deep and sustained involvement with EVE Online.
“Many years” is maybe not as informative as an AI might think. Also, it seems to be rather fixated on that particular video. Odd, but there were more suggested questions from Copilot to try.
Does Wilhelm Arcturus have any other gaming-related content?
Yes, Wilhelm Arcturus has a wide range of gaming-related content. He is known for his blog, “The Ancient Gaming Noob,” where he records his experiences and memories from various online games. His content often includes stories from gaming eras well before many of today’s gamers’ time, providing a historical perspective on the evolution of online gaming.
In addition to his EVE Online content, Wilhelm has shared his experiences with other games, especially those by Kesmai, which played a significant role in the development of the MMO genre1. He also discusses his early days of online gaming, dating back to 1986, and his journey through the online world, which began with a 1200 bps modem connected to his Apple IIe.
His blog serves as a personal record of his gaming adventures and is a resource for those interested in the history and community aspects of online games. Wilhelm’s content is not only informative but also adds a personal touch that resonates with fellow gamers who have witnessed the growth of the online gaming community.
Now, remember, I am following up with the questions that Copilot suggested. You cannot blame me for the questions, I am literally clicking on the link it provided and then recording the answers… which remain vague with odd tidbits of detail. This time around we’re back to EVE Online, but then off to Kesmai and a 1200bps modem and the year 1986, which are in fact Wilhelm Arcturus canon, but not very well threaded together here. Where else did Copilot send me?
What other games has he played?
Wilhelm Arcturus, also known as “The Ancient Gaming Noob,” has played a variety of games throughout his gaming career. He has a particular affinity for titles by Kesmai, which have been influential in the MMO genre. His experiences with Kesmai games date back to his early days of online gaming, starting in 19861.
He has shared memories and stories from gaming eras that precede many of today’s gamers, providing a unique historical perspective. His blog is a treasure trove of experiences from various online games, where he documents his adventures and the evolution of the online gaming community.
While specific titles aren’t mentioned in the recent content, his long history with online games and his detailed documentation of his experiences suggest that he has played a wide range of games, especially those that emphasize a shared world and community. His blog posts often reflect on his early gaming days and his journey through the online world, which began with a 1200 bps modem connected to his Apple IIe1.
Copilot seemed to be drawing from the same sources here. Again, Copilot suggested the question, yet didn’t have much an answer ready. So I started trying to draw it out.
Is Wilhelm Arcturus active on any social media platforms?
Certainly! Wilhelm Arcturus, also known as “The Ancient Gaming Noob,” is active on several platforms:
- Blog: He maintains a blog called “The Ancient Gaming Noob,” where he has been writing for over five years. The purpose of his blog is to record his experiences and memories from various online games, particularly those with shared worlds and communities. His content often reflects on the history of online gaming, including his early days dating back to 1986 when he started with a 1200 bps modem connected to his Apple IIe1.
- Twitter: You can find Wilhelm Arcturus on Twitter, where he shares updates and thoughts related to gaming. His handle is @wilhelm24512.
- YouTube: Wilhelm also has a YouTube channel where he likely shares video content related to gaming. You can explore his videos there3.
Remember, his online presence is primarily under the pseudonym “Wilhelm Arcturus,” and his real name remains undisclosed1. 🎮📝
I’ve heard some of that before. Time to see if I can get more specific information out of Copilot.
Make a list of 10 video games that Wilhelm Arcturus has played
Based on the information available, here is a list of video games that Wilhelm Arcturus has likely played:
- EVE Online – A space-based, persistent world massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), where he has been notably active1.
- World of Warcraft – A popular MMORPG set in the Warcraft universe.
- EverQuest – One of the original MMORPGs that set the standard for the genre.
- Stellar Warrior – A game by Kesmai on the GEnie online service, featuring space combat2.
- Stellar Emperor – Another Kesmai title that combined space combat, exploration, and planetary management2.
- MegaWars III – A CompuServe game that was ported to GEnie as Stellar Emperor, which Wilhelm played2.
- Arcturus: The Curse and Loss of Divinity – A Korean RPG that influenced the Trails franchise3.
- Trails in the Sky – A game related to the aforementioned Arcturus RPG.
- Selirus Szin – It’s unclear if this is a game or a character within a game, but it’s mentioned in relation to his EVE Online content4.
- Games by Kesmai – While not a specific title, Wilhelm has expressed his experiences with several games developed by Kesmai, which were influential in the MMO genre2.
Please note that this list is not exhaustive and is based on the content Wilhelm Arcturus has shared publicly. He may have played many other games that are not documented in the available sources.
It really seemed to be drilling down on a couple of very specific sources… not sure why Kesmai games were being featured so heavily given the last 17+ years of content on the blog. Time to check if it even knows the blog exists. I mean, it keeps mentioning the blog, but has it been there? The links it provides… I left them in are just generic YouTube links.
Anyway, time to find out if it knows my address.
What is the URL of The Ancient Gaming Noob blog?
Certainly! You can find The Ancient Gaming Noob blog at the following URLs:
- On Reddit, where he shares insights and discussions related to EVE Online and other gaming topics: The Ancient Gaming Noob on Reddit.
- Engadget featured an article about him as “The Game Archaeologist and the veteran of Kesmai,” highlighting his memories and stories from gaming eras predating many readers’ time: The Game Archaeologist and the veteran of Kesmai on Engadget.
- His content is also available on Muck Rack, where he discusses EVE Online and other gaming news: The Ancient Gaming Noob on Muck Rack.
Feel free to explore his blog and enjoy his gaming adventures! 🎮📝
Alrighty, now we’re getting somewhere. Reddit, Muck Rack, and a post on the old Massively site where I was interviewed about Kesmai games. I guess that is why they figure so heavily. But no mention of the actual blog. This is where we see the like in “AI” as it clearly does not understand.
Maybe I need to be more direct.
What blog is at tagn.wordpress.com?
The blog at tagn.wordpress.com is known as The Ancient Gaming Noob. It’s a blog where Wilhelm Arcturus, the pseudonym of the author, shares his experiences and stories from various online games1. The blog is a popular spot for readers interested in the MMO genre and the history of online gaming, as Wilhelm provides a personal and historical perspective on his gaming adventures. 🎮📝
Well, that was something. It does know the blog if I feed it the URL, but not is I ask for the URL.
Using data from tagn.wordpress.com, tell me who Wilhelm Arcturus is and at least 10 video games he has played
Wilhelm Arcturus is the pseudonym of a seasoned blogger and gamer who runs the blog The Ancient Gaming Noob found at tagn.wordpress.com1. He is well-known within the online gaming community for his detailed posts and discussions about his experiences in various video games, particularly MMOs (Massively Multiplayer Online games).
Here’s a list of at least 10 video games that Wilhelm Arcturus has played, as gleaned from his blog and related content:
- EVE Online – A space-based MMORPG known for its complex player-driven economy and massive space battles1.
- World of Warcraft – A fantasy MMORPG that has become a cultural phenomenon with a massive player base2.
- EverQuest – One of the earliest MMORPGs, setting many standards for the genre2.
- Lord of the Rings Online – An MMORPG based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy novels2.
- EverQuest II – The sequel to EverQuest, continuing the legacy of the original game3.
- MegaWars III – A CompuServe game that was ported to GEnie as Stellar Emperor, which Wilhelm played4.
- Stellar Warrior – A Kesmai game featuring space combat, available on the GEnie online service4.
- Stellar Emperor – Another Kesmai title combining space combat, exploration, and planetary management4.
- Warcraft series – The strategy games that laid the foundation for World of Warcraft.
- Diablo series – Action RPGs known for their dark fantasy themes and loot-driven gameplay.
Wilhelm Arcturus’s blog is a rich source of information and stories about these games and his personal experiences within them. His insights often extend beyond gameplay mechanics to include commentary on the gaming industry and the evolution of online gaming communities. 🎮📝
That is better. I mean, we’re still heavy on the Kesmai titles, but at least it isn’t making up games out of thin air. But if you look at the reference links at the end of each entry, not one of them points to the actual blog. Reddit and Flipboard, but not the actual source.
So I figured I would give it one more try.
What were the topics of the last five posts at the blog at tagn.wordpress.com?
Certainly! Let’s explore the topics of the last five posts on The Ancient Gaming Noob blog by Wilhelm Arcturus:
- “How to display last 3 posts (recent posts) in a static page?”: This post discusses methods for displaying recent posts on a static page in WordPress. It covers both the incorrect and correct approaches using PHP code snippets1.
- “How to Display Recent Posts in WordPress”: This article provides various methods to display recent posts in WordPress. It includes using the built-in Gutenberg block, configuring the display options, and customizing the excerpt length2.
- “How to Display Recent Posts on Any WordPress Page”: The post explains how to display a list of recent posts within WordPress pages. It mentions using the Gutenberg block or the Recent Posts widget to achieve this3.
These topics cover different aspects of displaying recent posts, making them useful for WordPress users and bloggers. 📝🎮
So, we have THREE responses when I asked for five… a 40% failure right off the bat, and none of them are from the blog. They’re not even from the wordpress.com domain.
You can lead an AI to the data, but you can’t make it think!
I realize that this is not a scientifically exhaustive test of AI in any way, but it does seem to indicate that the publicly facing general answer/search engine AIs are being limited. A year ago all three could come up with something about me. Now two out of three kind of shrugged and moved on with the third seemed to almost studiously avoid my blog even when pointed directly at it.
The Ancient Gaming Noob 