- The term originated in traditional tabletop role-playing games where it applies to characters controlled by the gamemaster or referee rather than by another player.
- In video games, this usually means a character controlled by the computer (instead of a player) that has a predetermined set of behaviors that potentially will impact gameplay, but will not necessarily be the product of true artificial intelligence.
Insult[edit]
On the Internet, NPC is often used as an insult to suggest that some people are unable to form thoughts or opinions of their own. Such people are often characterized as being similar to NPC Wojak, who is a grey-faced, expressionless internet meme.[7][8]
NPC (meme)
| NPC (non-player character) | |
|---|---|
 The NPC | |
| First appearance | July 7, 2016 |
| Created by | /v/[1] Anonymous |
| Based on | Wojak |
- Politically, it is often used by those with anti-establishment views to describe those who fail to question authority, "groupthink", or a stance that would display conformity and obedience.[
The NPC meme gained widespread attention and in October 2018 was covered in numerous news outlets, including The New York Times,[4] The Verge,[1] and the BBC. In 2022, the meme garnered popularity on video sharing service TikTok.[8][9]
Monetization[edit]
- It has become widely popular as influencers and users of social media platforms such as TikTok, utilize livestreams to act as a Non-Player Character.[9] "Viewers in NPC live streams take on the role of puppeteers, influencing the creator's next move."[10]
- This phenomenon has been on a rise as viewers are actively involved in what they are watching, by purchasing digital "gifts" and sending them directly to the streamer.
- In return, the streamer will briefly mimic character or act.
This phenomenon has become a trend starting from July 2023, as influencers make profits from this new internet character. Pinkydoll, a Tiktok influencer gained 400,000 followers the same month that she started NPC Streaming, while her livestreams began to earn her as much as $7,000 in a day.[11] NPC streaming gives creators a new avenue to earn money online.[12]
No comments:
Post a Comment