Artificial Intelligence

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The programming of non-player characters and automated systems in a game.

What is a non-player character (NPC)?

"A non-player character (NPC), or non-playable character, is any character in a game that is not controlled by a player."

Where did the term 'non-player character' originate?

"The term originated in traditional tabletop role-playing games."

Who controls NPCs in traditional tabletop role-playing games?

"It applies to characters controlled by the gamemaster or referee rather than by another player."

What does NPC stand for?

"A non-player character (NPC), or non-playable character..."

How are NPCs in video games different from those in tabletop role-playing games?

"In video games, this usually means a character controlled by the computer (instead of a player)."

What is the defining characteristic of NPCs in video games?

"...that has a predetermined set of behaviors..."

Are NPCs in video games capable of true artificial intelligence?

"...that potentially will impact gameplay, but will not necessarily be the product of true artificial intelligence."

What is the difference between a player character and an NPC?

"A non-player character (NPC), or non-playable character, is any character in a game that is not controlled by a player."

What kind of games typically feature NPCs?

"In video games..."

What impact can NPCs have on gameplay?

"...that has a predetermined set of behaviors that potentially will impact gameplay..."

Who controls NPCs in video games?

"...a character controlled by the computer..."

What does it mean for a character to be non-playable?

"...any character in a game that is not controlled by a player."

How do NPCs behave in video games?

"...a character controlled by the computer that has a predetermined set of behaviors..."

Are NPCs in video games controlled by true artificial intelligence?

"...but will not necessarily be the product of true artificial intelligence."

Can NPCs in video games make independent decisions?

"...that has a predetermined set of behaviors..."

Do players have control over NPCs?

"A non-player character (NPC), or non-playable character, is any character in a game that is not controlled by a player."

What is the purpose of NPCs in video games?

"...that potentially will impact gameplay..."

Are NPCs essential to gameplay?

"...that potentially will impact gameplay..."

Can NPCs in video games interact with players?

"...that is not controlled by a player."

How are NPCs in video games different from player-controlled characters?

"A non-player character (NPC), or non-playable character, is any character in a game that is not controlled by a player." Quotes provided for each question.