Why CABot1

CABot1 is not a neuro-cognitive architecture, but it is a step toward one.
Why would we develop CABot1?
To provide a platform to start to address the larger issues.
Why a video game?
It would probably be better to work on a robot, but that requires equipment, motor behaviour, and the environment is less controlled.
In a virtual world, there is still sensation (images, sound, and even physics), but it is controllable and motor skills are easy.
Why neurons?
Scientists have a sound (not complete) idea of what neurons do. Clearly at some level intelligence comes from neurons. There is neuropsychological evidence.
Why fLIF neurons?
There are a lot of neural models (that really do what neurons do).
fLIF neurons are pretty accurate, but simple to compute so a lot of them can be simulated in real time on a PC.