Introduction

Characters are the heart of any game, serving as the primary means through which players interact with the game world. This lesson will cover the different types of characters, the role they play, and how to design balanced characters, especially in multiplayer games.

Types of Characters

1. Player Characters (PC)
   • Definition: Characters controlled by the players.
   • Role: Main avatars through which players experience the game.
2. Non-Player Characters (NPC)
   • Definition: Characters controlled by the game’s computer system.
   • Role: Populate the game world, providing interaction, quests, challenges, and story progression.
   • Examples:
     • Villains: Antagonists that create conflict.
     • Townspeople: Provide information, quests, or background ambiance.
     • Adventurers: Can be allies or competitors within the game world.
     • Friends: Add backstory and emotional depth.
     • Monsters: Create challenges and obstacles for the player.
     • Traitors: Add plot twists and complexity to the story.

Designing Balanced Characters in Multiplayer Games

1. Starting with Identical Abilities
   • Fair Play: Ensure all players start on equal footing to avoid inherent advantages.
   • Customisation: Allow players to customise their characters’ abilities as the game progresses.
2. Diverse Character Strengths
   • Balanced Traits: In fighting games, balance characters by giving them varied strengths and weaknesses (e.g., strong but slow vs. weak but fast).
   • No Guaranteed Victory: Design characters so no single character has an unfair advantage over others.
3. Balancing Winners and Losers
   • Close Games: Ensure games are competitive by keeping the outcomes uncertain until the end.
   • Player Engagement: Games should always feel winnable until the final moments to maintain player interest and excitement.

Summary

Characters in games, both PCs and NPCs, are essential for creating an engaging and dynamic game world. For multiplayer games, balancing character abilities ensures fair play and keeps the game exciting for all players. By starting with identical abilities and carefully designing diverse character strengths, game designers can create a balanced and enjoyable experience.