In movies, the extras don’t often garner much attention. In gaming, the same can be said for Non-Playable Characters (NPCs). But much like extras in movies are vital to creating an immersive experience, NPCs are the backbone of gaming experiences.
NPCs differ from a player controlled protagonists and they are set to perform pretty specific roles. Now, NPCs are set to get a lot better over the next decade as AI infuses them with deeper versatility. However, although you’ll be able to interact with them at a higher level, they’ll remain in the background supporting the environment.
NPC characters range from background fillers to complex figures that seem to possess motivations and sometimes backstories.
And in some special cases, NPCs become the beloved, or iconic characters, and that’s what we’re looking at today.
GLaDOS from Portal series
Potentially the most famous NPC ever, GLaDOS is a malevolent AI guiding and harassing players with her witty dialogue. This standout NPC offers complexity and humor, which is why she elevates from beyond a mere background character.
I mean, check this awesomeness out.
Elizabeth from BioShock Infinite
And yet another female NPC rocks gaming with her depth and emotional connection to the story.
She seems like a heck of a lot more than a background character.
The Lutece Twins from BioShock Infinite
The engaging, fun banter between these two give BioShock yet another big NPC win. They often speak in cryptic tones hinting at much more complexity to come.
Alyx Vance from Half-Life series
Alyx Vance helps people in the game and provides a little emotional depth tot he storyline. Vance often connects with players and helps show strength and resilience in a dystopian world.
HK-47 from Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
The assassin droid has a hatred for almost all life and carries about with a rather dark humor. This NPC droid is often a fan favorite.
The G-Man from Half-Life series
A mysterious and cryptic NPC that’s sporadic appearances and creative speeches cause many to wonder what his true intentions are.
The bro is ruthless.
Eileen the Crow from Bloodborne
Eileen’s role is rather mysterious. She’s a standout and intriguing personality in a dark universe.
So now we see how impactful NPCs can be to some of the most popular games ever. And to restate, they’ll get better and better as AI technology gives them more of a capacity to react and interact. NPC development will be one of the biggest overhauls in gaming in years to come.