About
Project December is a distinctive AI-powered conversational platform built by Jason Rohrer, a game designer known for thought-provoking interactive experiences. The tool allows users to craft and interact with AI personas that simulate real or imagined individuals — from historical figures and fictional characters to deceased family members and friends. At its core, Project December leverages large language models (originally GPT-3) to generate contextually rich, personality-consistent dialogue. The interface takes a deliberate retro aesthetic, resembling an old-school terminal, which adds to its atmospheric quality. Users can purchase access and explore pre-built sample conversations or configure their own personas through detailed prompts. A dedicated 'Customer Terminal' gives users direct conversational access to their configured AI personas, while an API option enables developers to integrate or experiment with the underlying system programmatically. Project December gained significant cultural attention for its application in grief technology — allowing users to 'speak' with simulated versions of lost loved ones using real messages, letters, and memories as training context. It appeals to writers, creatives, researchers, and those exploring AI's emotional and philosophical frontiers. With its combination of literary ambition, developer access, and deeply personal use cases, Project December occupies a unique niche at the intersection of AI, storytelling, and human connection.
Key Features
- Custom AI Persona Creation: Build conversational AI personas based on real or fictional people using detailed prompt configuration and contextual memory.
- Customer Terminal Interface: Access your configured AI personas through an immersive retro-style terminal for an atmospheric, focused chat experience.
- API Access: Developers can integrate or experiment with the underlying AI conversation engine via a dedicated API.
- Sample Conversations: Explore pre-built sample interactions to understand the platform's capabilities before creating your own personas.
- LLM-Powered Dialogue: Conversations are generated by large language models, enabling nuanced, personality-consistent, and contextually aware responses.
Use Cases
- Simulating conversations with deceased loved ones using personal letters and memories to process grief.
- Writers and storytellers developing fictional characters by conversing with AI-powered personas.
- Educators and students exploring historical figures through simulated dialogue for research or learning.
- Developers experimenting with AI persona APIs for creative or technical projects.
- Philosophers and researchers probing the emotional and ethical boundaries of human-AI interaction.
Pros
- Unique and Emotionally Resonant: One of the few AI tools specifically designed for deeply personal or philosophical conversation simulations, including grief applications.
- Developer-Friendly API: Offers API access, allowing developers and researchers to build on or experiment with the platform's AI capabilities.
- Distinctive Experience: The retro terminal aesthetic and literary focus create a memorable, intentional user experience unlike generic chatbot interfaces.
Cons
- Paid-Only Access: There is no free tier; users must purchase access, which may limit casual experimentation.
- Minimal UI and Documentation: The sparse interface and limited public documentation can make onboarding challenging for non-technical users.
- Ethical Sensitivity: Simulating deceased individuals raises ethical and emotional concerns that users should consider carefully before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Project December?
Project December is an AI-powered chatbot platform by Jason Rohrer that lets users simulate text-based conversations with custom personas — including real people, historical figures, fictional characters, or deceased loved ones.
How does Project December work?
Users configure AI personas using descriptive prompts and contextual information. The platform then uses large language models to generate realistic, personality-consistent dialogue in a terminal-style interface.
Is Project December free to use?
No. Project December requires a purchase. There is no free tier, though sample conversations may be available to preview the experience.
Does Project December have an API?
Yes, Project December offers API access, making it suitable for developers who want to integrate or build on its AI conversation capabilities.
Who created Project December?
Project December was created by Jason Rohrer, an indie game designer known for experimental and thought-provoking interactive works.
