What does "Non-Player Character" mean?

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A Non-Player Character, often called an NPC, is a character in a video game or simulation that is not controlled by a player. Instead, NPCs are run by the game's programming. They can serve various roles, such as helping players, providing information, or posing challenges.

NPCs help create a living world within games. They can perform tasks, follow along with players, or react to player actions in specific ways. Their behavior can be simple or complex, depending on how the game is designed.

In some games, NPCs may be programmed to act like real people, making decisions based on the game's rules. This can lead to interesting interactions and add depth to gameplay. In more advanced simulations, NPCs can also respond to unexpected actions from players, creating challenges that make the game more engaging.