Opportunity brief
# Event Format: Pokémon AI Battle
*Society Name:* ARES Robotics x Google Developer Groups NSUT
*ARES × Shunya* is an AI-versus-AI Pokémon battle competition where participants develop and submit their own machine-learning models or algorithmic agents online. The submitted AIs compete autonomously in offline, head-to-head battles using *Pokémon Showdown* as the battle simulation engine.
Participants build their strategies, submit their algorithms before the deadline, and watch their AIs compete against each other in live battles. Once a battle begins, no human intervention is permitted.
*Theme:* Artificial Intelligence | Robotics | Machine Learning | Strategy | Autonomous Decision-Making
## Event Details
• *Team Size:* 1–2 members • *Duration:* 2.5–3 hours • *Venue:* APJ Lecture Theatre, NSUT main campus, Dwarka • *Mode:* Online algorithm submission + offline live tournament • *Simulation Platform:* Pokémon Showdown
## Event Structure & Flow
The event is conducted in two stages: online algorithm submission and an offline head-to-head tournament.
### Phase 1: Online AI Submission
*Objective:* Develop an autonomous Pokémon battle AI and submit it before the competition deadline.
• Participants receive the official ruleset, permitted Pokémon and moves, and the required AI interface/API. • Participants independently develop their algorithms using heuristics, probability-based strategies, decision trees, machine learning, reinforcement learning, or other permitted approaches. • Each AI must make decisions autonomously based on the battle state provided to it. • Participants may test and refine their algorithms before submission. • Submitted algorithms must comply with the competition rules and interface requirements. • Teams must submit their final AI before the announced deadline. • Submissions undergo basic validation to ensure they run correctly and return legal actions.
*Important:* The submitted AI must be capable of making all in-battle decisions without human assistance.
### Phase 2: The Shunya AI Showdown — Offline Tournament
*Objective:* Determine the strongest Pokémon battle AI through direct competition.
• Validated participant AIs compete in head-to-head matches. • All battles use Pokémon Showdown as the simulation platform, subject to the final competition ruleset and technical integration. • Each AI autonomously chooses its moves and switches according to the information available to it. • The battle simulation resolves actions, damage, status effects, knockouts, and win conditions. • Battles are displayed live on the main screen for the audience. • A tournament bracket tracks match results and determines progression. • The final match determines the overall winner of ARES × Shunya.
*Battle Flow:*
1. AI A faces AI B. 2. The simulation provides the available battle state to each AI. 3. Each AI returns its selected action. 4. Pokémon Showdown resolves the actions and updates the battle. 5. The process repeats until the match ends. 6. The result determines which AI advances in the tournament.
## Simulation Platform: Pokémon Showdown
Pokémon Showdown will serve as the battle simulation platform, providing the battle mechanics and animated battle interface.
The organizers will establish the permitted format, Pokémon pool, moves, and other rules before the competition. The AI integration will handle communication between participant algorithms and the simulation.
The exact integration method, supported ruleset, and available battle-state information will be announced before submissions open.
## Competition Rules
• Each team consists of 1–2 members. • Only submitted and validated algorithms may participate. • All participants compete under the same ruleset and simulation conditions. • No manual intervention is allowed after a match begins. • AIs must select legal actions and respond within the specified time limit. • The permitted Pokémon, moves, format, and battle mechanics are fixed by the organizers. • Any additional restrictions on external tools, pre-trained models, or internet access will be announced before submission. • Tournament results determine the winners.
## Winners & Results
There will be *no separate judging criteria or subjective scoring*. Winners will be determined exclusively by simulation results and tournament performance.
The tournament bracket will determine the final standings, with the winning AI crowned the *ARES × Shunya Pokémon AI Champion*.
## Requirements
• Laptop for algorithm development and online submission • Basic programming knowledge • Python recommended • Basic understanding of algorithms, probability, or machine learning is helpful • No prior competitive Pokémon experience is required
## Competition Highlights
• Build your own autonomous Pokémon battle AI. • Submit your algorithm online and compete offline. • Watch AI agents battle head-to-head on Pokémon Showdown. • Explore machine learning, probability, and strategic decision-making. • Compete in a tournament where simulation results decide the winners.
*For further information:*
Join our WhatsApp group:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/JZxlZDFnmVGJbATCITbNnr?mode=gi_t