what makes a good NPC

[terribleyetfun]

now I hear a lot about how NPC`s are stupid or they have very little to say but I`m here to ask you the escapists, what makes a good NPC in my opinion it`s one that never talks because eventually it will spit out something that will piss you off.

 

[damion559]

one controled by someone else

 

[SmilingKitsune]

A good NPC should be helpful, friendly, actually have a personality and have good AI.
A great example of a good NPC is Alyx from Half-life 2, a good example of a bad NPC is Rico from Killzone 2.

 

[Knight Templar]

Depends on what you consider a NPC, but as a rule: Depth, if I want to talk to this person and I can then you have made half a game.

 

[damion559]

one you can kill and it never comes back (yes i HATE npc's)

 

[Ushario]

A good NPC is realistic enough for the purpose of the game that it doesn't break immersion, an awesome NPC is one that adds to immersion.

 

[Inverse Skies]

You have to be able to empathise with them and their position in the game, if you can't do that they might as well just be a filler character as they ellicit no emotional response from you whatsoever.

 

[confernal]

An NPC that blows your mind then dies instantly so you can't ask questions...

 

[Borys]

Voice acting. Shitty voice acting makes the best fleshed-out, scripted NPC shitty.