NPC Meaning: What Does NPC Stand for?

Last updated on September 8, 2024 by Emma Grace

If you are an avid gamer, then you probably already know what this acronym means. If you just started gaming or are not a gamer then that is the reason you are probably on this page because you are wondering what it means after hearing other players mention the term. 

NPC Meaning and Origin

  • “NPC” stands for “Non-Player Character,” a character in a game who is not controlled by the player but by the game itself, often serving as a quest giver, shopkeeper, enemy, or part of the story to enhance the game’s narrative and interactivity.
  • The term “NPC” has evolved, becoming an internet meme representing those who do not think for themselves.
NPC Meaning
NPC Meaning – Created by 7ESL

What Does NPC Mean?

This acronym represents the phrase “non-player character” or “non playable character.” It is used to describe a character in a video game that appears like the other characters but its decisions and activities are built into the code for the game and are not made by an actual person playing the character.

Origin of NPC

Many people are familiar with these types of characters from playing video and computer games. However, what many people don’t realize is that this term was used long before the invention of video games. The term was first used to describe characters in tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons where certain characters were controlled by a gamemaster or referee. This means the term has been used at least since 1972 and possibly even longer.

Other Meanings of NPC

This term can also stand for some other phrases too. Some of the other phrases that this term can represent are “not politically correct,” “non-psychotropic cannabis.” and “National People’s Congress.” The term can also be used as a descriptive standalone word to describe a social justice warrior or a liberal. It denotes someone who appears not to have the ability to think for themselves and just “goes along with the crowd.” The term can also be used to describe an extra in a play or movie to fill in a crowd of people.

Other Ways to Say “NPC”

There are a few other phrases that you can use in place of this acronym and the phrase it represents. Some of the other phrases that you can use include:

  • game controlled character
  • algorithm controlled character
  • computer-controlled character

NPC Examples

Texting and Social Posts

In texting and social media posts, NPC, or non-player character, often refers to individuals who seem to lack independent thought or blindly follow trends. In the context of video games, NPCs are characters controlled by the computer rather than a human player. They are designed to play a specific role or purpose within the game world.

Here are some examples of how NPC might be used in texting or social media posts:

  • “I can’t believe how many people are wearing the same outfit today. It’s like a bunch of NPCs.”
  • “Why does everyone always post about the same TV shows? Are they all NPCs or something?”
  • “He only listens to music that’s on the radio. Such an NPC.”

In these examples, the term “NPC” is used to emphasize the perceived lack of individuality or critical thinking. While it is important to remember that this usage might not be an entirely fair or accurate representation of a person’s character, it illustrates how the concept of NPCs in video games has been adapted for use in everyday communication.

Conversation Examples

A text message exchange between two friends.

  • Friend 1: Hey, question?
  • Friend 2: Hey, answer.
  • Friend 1: HaHa! Is there a way to go through level 5 of this game without having to talk to all these NPCs? It is quite time-consuming. They talk so much!
  • Friend 2: Unfortunately, no there isn’t. You just have to grin and bear it. It’s because some of them have vital information you need to pay attention to for later levels in the game.
  • Friend 1: Oh, okay!

An online conversation between two users on a game forum.

  • User 1: Can anyone tell me where the NPC is that I need to talk to to get out of this forest and go into the kingdom?
  • User 2: I don’t know exactly where you are, but you will find the NPC you need to talk to by the gates to the farm from earlier in the game. You are looking for a merchant looking person in robes.
  • User 1: Okay, I will head in that direction. I was going the opposite way. Thanks!
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