Simple Playgrounds provides a modular platform for building interactive 2D grid environments where agents can navigate mazes, interact with objects, and complete tasks. Users define environment layouts, object behaviors, and reward functions via simple YAML or Python scripts. The integrated Pygame renderer delivers real-time visualization, while a step-based API ensures seamless integration with reinforcement learning libraries like Stable Baselines3. With support for multi-agent setups, collision detection, and customizable physics parameters, Simple Playgrounds streamlines the prototyping, benchmarking, and educational demonstration of AI algorithms.

The mario-ai project offers a comprehensive pipeline for developing AI agents to master Super Mario Bros. using neuroevolution. By integrating a Python-based NEAT implementation with the OpenAI Gym SuperMario environment, it allows users to define custom fitness criteria, mutation rates, and network topologies. During training, the framework evaluates generations of neural networks, selects high-performing genomes, and provides real-time visualization of both gameplay and network evolution. Additionally, it supports saving and loading trained models, exporting champion genomes, and generating detailed performance logs. Researchers, educators, and hobbyists can extend the codebase to other game environments, experiment with evolutionary strategies, and benchmark AI learning progress across different levels.