Title: Procedural Content Generation via Machine Learning (PCGML),
Abstract: This survey explores Procedural Content Generation via Machine Learning
(PCGML), defined as the generation of game content using machine learning
models trained on existing content. As the importance of PCG for game
development increases, researchers explore new avenues for generating
high-quality content with or without human involvement; this paper addresses
the relatively new paradigm of using machine learning (in contrast with
search-based, solver-based, and constructive methods). We focus on what is most
often considered functional game content such as platformer levels, game maps,
interactive fiction stories, and cards in collectible card games, as opposed to
cosmetic content such as sprites and sound effects. In addition to using PCG
for autonomous generation, co-creativity, mixed-initiative design, and
compression, PCGML is suited for repair, critique, and content analysis because
of its focus on modeling existing content. We discuss various data sources and
representations that affect the resulting generated content. Multiple PCGML
methods are covered, including neural networks, long short-term memory (LSTM)
networks, autoencoders, and deep convolutional networks; Markov models,
$n$-grams, and multi-dimensional Markov chains; clustering; and matrix
factorization. Finally, we discuss open problems in the application of PCGML,
including learning from small datasets, lack of training data, multi-layered
learning, style-transfer, parameter tuning, and PCG as a game mechanic.