No Man's Sky

No Man's Sky is an open-world game from Hello Games focused on exploring a vast sci‑fi universe with procedurally generated planets.

Procedural universe generation

At the core of No Man's Sky is procedural generation that creates large numbers of planets and creatures without manual, planet-by-planet development. The game’s algorithms generate terrain, climate conditions, lifeforms, and even architecture to make each player’s journey feel distinct.

The procedural systems are based on mathematical models and algorithms such as L-systems and fractal equations, which help mimic natural shapes and structures.

How neural networks relate to the game

While the game is primarily known for procedural generation, neural networks have also been used by artists and fans to create concept art and visualizations inspired by No Man's Sky’s aesthetic. There are many videos online showing neural networks generating planet imagery in a similar style. The developers do not specifically claim to use generative models, but some of the underlying approaches are comparable to methods used in machine learning.

Key features

• Procedurally generated universe with 18 quintillion planets
• Unique ecosystems and lifeforms on each planet
• Base building and space fleet management
• Multiplayer for co-op exploration
• Regular updates and content expansions