The University of Technology Sydney’s (UTS) Australian Artificial Intelligence Institute (AAII) has partnered with production and media company VADR Media to research and develop solutions against cheating in online chess.
As a result of the partnership, the UTS project team will have access to computing resources provided by Tencent Cloud’s TI Platform. Moreover, UTS will gain support from Tencent’s AI and Anti-cheat experts. This is a result of a previous partnership between Tencent Cloud and VADR Media’s chess and broadcast and tournament platform, Checkmate.live.
According to the announcement, AAII looks to develop ‘advanced algorithms and theoretical foundations’ for AI. The project team is led by Associate Professor Nabin Sharma, Professor Ling Chen and Associate Professor Guodong Long. Sharma noted that “Chess and Artificial Intelligence go hand in hand” with the game used historically as a testbed for AI’s advancements.
Checkmate.live is a Web3-powered platform created through a collaboration between the Asian Chess Federation and VADR Media. The company’s core business is centred around the production and broadcast of online chess tournaments. Checkmate is currently a member of the Esports Integrity Commission, bolstering its integrity in the esports space.
Chess’ placement in the esports realm has been a cause of contention ever since the popular board game gained huge popularity online. Online chess platform Chess.com has become one of the biggest organisers of chess tournaments, many of which take place online. Last year’s prize pool totalled $2m (~£1.6m). Ahead of the Champions Chess Tour Finals 2023, Chess.com collaborated with YouTube channel and music label Lofi Girl Records.
John McRae, Managing Director of VADR Media, commented on the partnership: “We are deeply passionate about Fair Play and have taken proactive measures, implementing integrity protocols with trusted partners and investing in R&D.
“Our newly formed alliance with the UTS Australian Artificial Intelligence Institute (AAII), along with collaborations with key governing bodies in chess and esports, reflect our dedication to enhancing the community experience and accelerating speed chess as an esport.”
