Improved human-like realism of computer opponents in racing or motion-related games is provided. The computer driver may be "distracted" by various characteristics, such as nervousness caused by another competitor closing the gap behind a computer driver. The distraction effects may be reflected in the alteration of stimuli to represent the computer driver "missing" stimuli, as though the AI competitor has taken its virtual eyes away from the course in front of its vehicle for an extended time period in order to watch the racing vehicle behind it. In addition, some distractions may be caused by different directional stimuli. When it is determined that an AI driver has glanced into the rear view mirror, visual stimuli from in front of the vehicle may be skipped because a human driver would not be able to simultaneously process visual stimuli from both the front of the vehicle and the rear view mirror.