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Microsoft researcher builds a working neural network out of goats in Age of Empires II to critique AI science

A Microsoft researcher built a working neural network out of goats, bridges, and ice ramps in the Age of Empires II map editor. What looks like a joke is a pointed critique of AI research methods. His analysis of 315 papers found that more than half already assume language models have human-like traits before the experiment even starts. Replace the chat interface with wandering goats, and the math doesn't change, but the feeling that you're talking to someone does. The article Microsoft

Microsoft researcher builds a working neural network out of goats in Age of Empires II to critique AI science
Primary source the-decoder.com ↗

Published June 17, 2026 · Category: AI Briefing

Overview

A stylized map of a medieval village featuring walls, buildings, goats, and arrows indicating herd paths and defensive routes.

A Microsoft researcher built a working neural network out of goats, bridges, and ice ramps in the Age of Empires II map editor. What looks like a joke is a pointed critique of AI research methods. His analysis of 315 papers found that more than half already assume language models have human-like traits before the experiment even starts. Replace the chat interface with wandering goats, and the math doesn't change, but the feeling that you're talking to someone does.

Details

The article Microsoft researcher builds a working neural network out of goats in Age of Empires II to critique AI science appeared first on The Decoder.

Source

Originally published at the-decoder.com.

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