The impact of spontaneous independent NPC dialogue in RPG games : How do independent uninitiated conversations between various NPC agents in the player’s vicinity affect the player interest in the game narrative?

Abstract: This paper explores the impact that spontaneous independent NPC dialogues have upon the player experience within a RPG. The study makes use of adjacent established research where dialogue is concerned as a launching point as spontaneous NPC dialogue has not been directly researched. The tests consisted of a playthrough of a two-part prototype. The first part had spontaneous independent NPC dialogue and the second part was used as a control part. While playing through the artefact participants voiced their thoughts and feelings concerning the prototype. With that and an interview, we measured the amount that the dialogue form used added or detracted from the participant’s experience. The dialogue was overall met in a positive manner from participants. However, a small study as this cannot conclusively state that spontaneous independent NPC dialogues are a boon to the RPG experience.