Why Do NPCs Always Walk Slower Than You?
Non-player characters (NPCs) in video games often walk at a slower pace than the player character. This phenomenon has been observed in various games across different genres, from action-adventure to role-playing games. But have you ever wondered why NPCs seem to take their sweet time to move around? In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind this intriguing phenomenon.
Design Choice
One of the primary reasons NPCs walk slower than the player is a design choice made by game developers. According to Josh Sawyer, the game designer behind Pillars of Eternity, NPCs are programmed to walk at a slower pace to create a sense of authenticity. Sawyer explained that making NPCs move too quickly would make them feel unnatural and detract from the player’s experience. By slowing down their pace, NPCs become more relatable and easier to follow, making the game more immersive.
Gameplay Mechanics
Another reason NPCs walk slower is to ensure that players can keep up with them. In many games, NPCs are programmed to follow a set path or schedule, which requires the player to keep pace with them. If NPCs moved too quickly, players might struggle to keep up, leading to frustration and confusion. By slowing down their pace, NPCs provide a more leisurely pace that allows players to focus on other aspects of the game.
Storytelling Purposes
NPCs are often used to convey important story information or provide guidance to the player. By moving at a slower pace, NPCs can create opportunities for players to interact with them, ask questions, or receive important plot twists. This slower pace allows players to engage with NPCs more thoroughly, making the storytelling more engaging and immersive.
Technical Considerations
Lastly, there are technical reasons why NPCs might walk slower than the player. Game engines and programming languages used in game development can affect the pace of NPC movement. For example, older game engines might have limitations on how quickly NPCs can move, leading to a slower pace. Additionally, complex NPC behaviors, such as navigation or pathfinding, can also impact their movement speed.
Examples of Slow-Moving NPCs
Let’s take a look at some examples of games that feature slow-moving NPCs:
| Game | NPC Speed |
|---|---|
| The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim | NPCs move at a leisurely pace, allowing players to explore the world without feeling rushed. |
| Mass Effect | Characters like Liara T’Soni and Garrus Vakarian move at a slow pace, providing opportunities for players to interact with them. |
| The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt | NPCs like Triss Merigold and Geralt’s horse, Roach, move at a slow pace, allowing players to engage with them in a more relaxed atmosphere. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, NPCs walking slower than the player is a deliberate design choice made by game developers to create a more immersive and engaging experience. Whether it’s to ensure gameplay mechanics work smoothly, to provide opportunities for storytelling, or to take into account technical limitations, the slower pace of NPCs has become an integral part of video game design.