A video game is an electronic game operated by computer circuitry. It can be played on general-purpose shared and personal computers, home television sets, arcade consoles or handheld devices such as cellular phones.
The best video game characters have something special about them that inspires players. Whether it’s the way they look or the way they play, these characters are unforgettable.
Humanizing Characters
Video game characters need to feel human in order for players to connect with them and immerse themselves in the game world. Whether they’re colorful ghosts or cute animals, characters that lack real-world characteristics aren’t likely to engage with gamers.
A character’s appearance, dialogue and other features are designed to help them stand out from the crowd. This can include giving them unique physical characteristics, such as a splattering of freckles or an unusual fondness for anchovies.
Some characters are based on real people, especially in sports games that use the likenesses of athletes and historical figures in their gameplay. They are referred to as non-player characters (NPCs).
NPCs are typically portrayed as intelligent and empathetic, which helps gamers empathize with them. They are able to respond to the player’s actions in the game and have meaningful conversations that progress the story and illuminate the game world. This is usually displayed as a monologue or through cutscenes.
Creating Character Archetypes
Video game characters need to be memorable and recognizable, and the best way to do this is to create character archetypes that are both familiar and relatable. Archetypes are universal symbols and patterns that have been used for centuries in storytelling and provide a framework that writers can use to create well-rounded characters.
The Hero is a popular archetype in video games. Usually, the hero is the playable character in the story and must defeat the villain to restore balance. The hero is often a good-hearted, brave and morally upright character.
The Sage is an ancient figure that may teach the hero important lessons and offer wisdom. The Jester is a comic character that can provide entertainment and also be a source of deep insight. They are often a good source of humor but can also be destructive. They often live by the motto ‘you only live once’.
Creating Personalities
Taking the time to develop a video game character’s personality is what makes them truly memorable. A strong character should evoke empathy and emotion in the gamer, while being someone that they can identify with. The character should also be able to have a redeeming factor, whether that be their kindness, passion or calmness.
Personality is also conveyed through the character’s appearance. They should fit the world that they are living in, such as if they live in a desert region their skin should be dark or if they work in a coal mine their hands will be rough from years of exposure. It is important to add quirks and hobbies, like their favorite music or food habits that make them unique.
Another key is to make sure that the character has both wants and needs. This will create more rounded characters, such as Geralt of Rivia who symbolizes a gray morality or Lara Croft who is a brave archeologist fighting against villains or Pikachu the cute Pokemon.
Creating Attributes
When video game artists create characters, they need to be sure that the character suits the mission and world of the game. For example, action games present players with a variety of physical challenges that require quick reaction and hand-eye coordination. These kinds of games fit best with the Fighter or Ninja class of characters.
In role-playing video games, the player chooses a race and class, which determines his or her innate abilities. These attributes are usually grouped into categories such as Resistances, Body Skills, or Nature Skills.
The most famous video game characters have something special about them. Geralt of Rivia symbolizes a gray morality, Lara Croft is a fearless archeologist, and Pikachu is a funny Pokemon that has electric powers. By making your characters realistic, you can connect with the audience and draw them into the world of the game. This goes beyond their appearance – you need to consider what they say and how they interact with the player.