An NPC from a generic game stares at me blankley. It doesn't ask for anything and it reads off it's good dialogue. Sure it is really hard to program. Mad props for the game designers that develop AI of any sort.
Something bubbles to the top. Where is the NPC going? Really, where has it gone in the last 10 years. And I must say the idea is completely taken from PC Gamer. All the credit goes to them for this idea.
It is a good talking point.
When was the last time you were won over by an NPC? Not in Oblivion...nope you won't find anything there. Not since Skyrim or any other great RPG. Not since any of those games have I gave a shit about NPC's. Maybe it was deep in WOW. Or maybe it wasn't.
The validation that NPC's mean something in games is bullshit. I care more about the Kleenex when I get a cold then most of these NPC's.
The reason is they are not very relatable. Oh wait! I am an NPC. My name is Jack Frozzgardenian and I want you to venture the lands for hides. I won't tell you about where I come from or tell you that I might know you from somewhere. I'll just gossip idly as you click through an option of lists and say yes, no , maybe and Dennis. Where has the NPC's gone in gaming.
The only great NPC even if you can't play with her is Alexx from Half-Life 2. Half Life games at least make you feel for the poor scientists. You know the one's that are frazzled because that fucking portal opened. They didn't understand why it did but you relate to their terror. They are in something they can't control.
I am not saying all NPC's are mindless bots. I am just wondering in the next 10 years if we will see a change in their behavoir. I am looking for an empathetic NPC. Someone I know I can feel for. Ellie is one of the best NPC's if you consider her one. I felt for her in every situation. She was relatable. I think Ellie is a step in the right direction in the Last of Us. You feel for her and that's a great thing in gaming. To feel is great in any medium.
I am not sure where we will end up. I just want to see more realistic NPC's one's that you can ask things and they respond realistically. One's that in the end you give a shit if they die or live. One's that have heart.
Oh I need to mention I love funny characters. Dog in Half-Life 2 is one such character. His actions are hilarious and he doesn't really speak. He communicates but to Alexx.
You can easily correct me if I am wrong. This is an excellent talking point. That is why I ventured forth and wrote this.
GLADOS is easily not just a villian but an NPC I cared about. Sure, she was evil but she was memorable. That's another thing....a memorable NPC is huge.
