Design agency AKQA has resorted to using neural networks to come up with a completely new sport. After analyzing over 400 types of physical activity, artificial intelligence algorithms invented speedgate (Speedgate) - a new team game that combines elements of football, rugby and croquet.
The AI system has developed not only the name and rules of the game, but even the logo and motto. The computer provided about a thousand options, although most of them (such as an exploding frisbee) were discarded immediately. After filtering out the least successful ideas, they played three games in real conditions, and the most fascinating was the speedgate.
“We used deep learning algorithms, from text-generating RNN to image-generating DCGAN, to create ideas for every aspect of this new, unique sport; from gameplay to rules and even logo,” says AKQA.
Two teams of 6 people will take part in the speedgate match. On each side of the field there are two gates without a net, on the middle line - one more. The players' task is to throw the ball into the side gate, having previously passed it through the central posts (it is forbidden to cross them). It is impossible to stand still for long: according to the rules, the projectile should not stand for 3 seconds.
Speedgate was created as part of the US Design Week. Despite this, the invented sports AI has a chance to become "real": AKQA is discussing with the Oregon Department of Sports the idea of holding an intra-university league this summer.