242 Virtual World Design
12.6 TYPES OF NPCS AND HOW THEY CAN BE USED IN VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS
To understand how NPCs support the visual depth and diversity of an environment, put on your walking
shoes and take a 20-minute stroll through your real-world local marketplace, mall, or public park. While you
are walking, take note of the people around you. Who is standing still, and why? Are they selling something,
or maybe looking at a map? Is there a group of them chatting together, blocking trafc on the sidewalk?
Doyou see a couple sitting on a bench together, or maybe an old lady and her ancient poodle enjoying the
afternoon sun? Inspiration and information about how to populate a street scene are right outside your door,
and you should tap ...