Who will win Game of Thrones? Algorithm predicts chances of survival
Shortly before the start of the final season of the TV series "Game of Thrones" (GoT), students in a computer science seminar at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) embarked on an unusual scientific mission: machine learning algorithms programmed by them predict which character will ascend the coveted Iron Throne.
Students at the Technical University of Munich have developed a computer science application that searches the internet for data on the series "Game of Thrones" and processes the figures using artificial intelligence algorithms. This enables them to predict the chances of survival of the individual Game of Thrones characters.
Back in 2016, shortly before the airing of season 6, students on the same course developed an algorithm that correctly predicted the resurrection of Jon Snow.
This time, the algorithm developed by the students predicts that Daenerys Targaryen has the highest chance (99 percent) of surviving the GoT world. The King's right-hand man, Tyrion Lannister, also has a promising survival rate of 97 percent.
Survival rates are predicted using longevity analysis. This technique is similar to scientific applications that study the effects of treatments and complications in cancer patients. The full list of characters and their survival rates are available online at Got.show available.
Experienced GoT fans can familiarize themselves in detail with the technology used for the predictions on the website. For example, the fact that Sansa Stark was born in Winterfell in the House of Stark and has only been married once seems to increase his chances in the upcoming season. Her predicted probability of death is only 73 percent.
Fans interested in exploring the differences between the plot of the TV series and the story from the books on which the TV series is based will find a direct comparison of character details, including age, status (Dead vs. Alive) and predictions of survival probability.
The work on these algorithms is part of a JavaScript seminar that is held every semester at the Department of Computer Science at the Technical University of Munich. During the course, participants learn how to design, develop and use intelligent computer systems.
The course's lead mentor, Dr. Guy Yachdav, says: "While the task of predicting chances of survival for Game of Thrones characters is based on data from the world of fantasy, the same artificial intelligence techniques are used in reality and have a strong impact on our everyday lives."
Professor Burkhard Rost, Head of the Chair of Bioinformatics at TUM, adds: "The combination of teaching and passion is a brilliant way to give students experience in using these new tools and prepare them to create great new applications themselves after graduation."
