nonplayable
Beyond player control
Nonplayable describes a character or element in a video game that cannot be controlled by the player.
A nonplayable character (NPC) is operated by the game's programming rather than human input—the shopkeepers, quest-givers, and bystanders who populate game worlds.
The village is full of nonplayable characters.
By extension, nonplayable sometimes describes people who seem scripted or lacking agency.
Traditional knowledge transmitted orally
- world-buildingCreating fictional universes
- backstoryCharacter's past narrative
- cutsceneNon-interactive game sequence
- cinematicRelating to motion pictures
dialogue · exposition · story · scripted · predetermined · plot · canon · journal
Cannot be accessed
- unobtainableImpossible to acquire
- restrictedLimited in scope
- exclusiveLimited to one group
- disabledMade unable to function
sealed · inaccessible · off-limits · unselectable · unreleased · hidden · paywalled · gated
Uncontrolled game character
- characterNature, symbol, or role
- entityIndependent existing thing
- avatarDigital user representation
- spriteTiny magical creature
model · asset · actor · agent · bot · companion · villager · merchant
Visible natural surroundings
- backgroundOne's formative experiences
- backdropRear stage scenery
- propsTheater accessories or praise
- setpieceElaborately staged scene
decoration · environment · terrain · foliage · skybox · landmark · tableau · vista
lore
Traditional knowledge transmitted orally
- world-buildingCreating fictional universes
- backstoryCharacter's past narrative
- cutsceneNon-interactive game sequence
cinematic · dialogue · exposition · story · scripted · predetermined · plot · canon · journal · codex
unavailable
Cannot be accessed
- unobtainableImpossible to acquire
- restrictedLimited in scope
- exclusiveLimited to one group
disabled · sealed · inaccessible · off-limits · unselectable · unreleased · hidden · paywalled · gated · premium
NPC
Uncontrolled game character
sprite · model · asset · actor · agent · bot · companion · villager · merchant · shopkeeper
scenery
Visible natural surroundings
- backgroundOne's formative experiences
- backdropRear stage scenery
- propsTheater accessories or praise
setpiece · decoration · environment · terrain · foliage · skybox · landmark · tableau · vista · panorama
nonplayableplayable
Capable of being played
controllable · player character · PC · avatar · protagonist
nonplayableplayable
Capable of being played
functional · working · usable · operable · compatible
play, playable, player, players, plays, played, playing, playful, playfully