NPC
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/ˌɛn piː ˈsiː/
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A computer‑controlled character in games and, by extension, a slang label for a person who appears to follow a script.
Examples
Developers scripted the NPC to react to player actions.
She talked to the NPC to learn about the village history.
A friendly NPC offered a health potion.
She called him an NPC because he never questions authority.
The town's NPCs give quests to the player.
Similar words
mindless follower
zombie
bot
computer‑controlled character
blank slate
supporting character
AI character
robot
conformist
sheeple
Meanings
Examples
The town's NPCs give quests to the player.
She talked to the NPC to learn about the village history.
The game engine spawns dozens of NPCs during combat.
A friendly NPC offered a health potion.
Developers scripted the NPC to react to player actions.
The NPC's dialogue repeats after each interaction.
Similar words
computer‑controlled character
bot
AI character
scripted character
background character
extra
non‑player
supporting character
Examples
He just repeats the same memes, he's a total NPC.
Stop being an NPC and think for yourself.
The comment section is full of NPCs agreeing with the trend.
She called him an NPC because he never questions authority.
Online debates often label opponents as NPCs.
The meme shows a robot saying "I am an NPC" to mock conformity.
Similar words
robot
zombie
sheeple
mindless follower
clone
automaton
blank slate
conformist
Etymology
First recorded as an abbreviation for “non‑player character” in a Gamasutra article by Jason Rohrer in 1998.
FAQ
What does NPC stand for in video games?
It stands for “non‑player character,” a computer‑controlled figure in a game.
How is an NPC different from a player character?
An NPC is controlled by the game engine, while a player character is controlled by a human player.
Can NPC be used to refer to a real person?
Only in the slang sense, where it describes someone who seems to lack original thought.
When did the abbreviation NPC first appear?
The earliest documented use is in a 1998 Gamasutra article about game design.
Why is NPC used as an insult online?
It likens a person to a scripted game character, implying they follow a preset script without independent thinking.
Is NPC pronounced as letters or as a word?
It is usually pronounced by saying each letter: /ˌɛn piː ˈsiː/.
Are NPCs always non‑playable characters?
In gaming they are, but the term can also refer to any scripted entity in a virtual environment.
How many NPCs can appear in a game?
The number varies widely; some games have dozens, others hundreds of NPCs.
What is the plural form of NPC?
The standard plural is “NPCs.”
Where can I find examples of NPC dialogue?
Game scripts, walkthroughs, and many video game wikis provide NPC dialogue samples.
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