Explaining behavior trees

In its broader sense, a behavior tree is a mathematical model used in many fields of computer science, including video games. It outlines the transition between a finite set of tasks in a modular manner. The power of behavior trees lies in their ability to create intricate tasks from simple components, without going into the details of how each component is implemented. While behavior trees share some similarities with hierarchical state machines – where states are organized in a hierarchy, allowing for better reuse of behaviors – the primary distinction lies in the fact that tasks, not states, serve as the fundamental elements of behavior. The main advantage is their intuitive nature, making them less prone to errors; this is why they are highly favored within the game development industry.

Today’s video games are increasingly intricate, leading to a proportional complexity in AI characters. Hence, the maintenance of these characters...