Ashen Has Players and NPC Remain Indistinguishable from One Another
Justin Lam — July 20, 2018 — Tech
References: ashen-game & venturebeat
Single-player and multiplayer games are often clearly distinguished from one another, but Ashen aims to blur this line as players essentially take on the role of NPCs. Coming from the minds of New Zealand-based developer Aurora44, this new video game attempts to recreate the passive multiplayer experience where players forge alliances in the absence of texts and voice chats. In order to accomplish this, Ashen does away with any clunky HUDs and menus and instead has players seamlessly join each other on various adventures in the world.
This lack of communication is essentially what drives the idea that players can become NPCs. By restraining, player communication players blend and integrate into the backdrop of the world and simply become fixtures that move and operate within Ashen. This concept for Ashen shows how pivotal communication can be in a video game as this use of communication helps drive a unique concept in a living world.
This lack of communication is essentially what drives the idea that players can become NPCs. By restraining, player communication players blend and integrate into the backdrop of the world and simply become fixtures that move and operate within Ashen. This concept for Ashen shows how pivotal communication can be in a video game as this use of communication helps drive a unique concept in a living world.
Trend Themes
1. Blurring Single-player and Multiplayer - The trend of blurring the line between single-player and multiplayer games presents disruptive innovation opportunities for developers to create immersive and seamless gaming experiences.
2. Passive Multiplayer Gaming - The trend of passive multiplayer gaming opens up opportunities for game developers to create unique and immersive worlds where players can seamlessly interact and form alliances without text or voice communication.
3. Communication-driven Gameplay - The trend of communication-driven gameplay in video games creates disruptive innovation opportunities for developers to explore innovative ways for players to interact and collaborate, such as integrating players as NPCs with limited communication capabilities.
Industry Implications
1. Video Game Development - The video game development industry can leverage the trend of blurring single-player and multiplayer games to create innovative and immersive gaming experiences that attract a wider audience.
2. Online Gaming - The online gaming industry can capitalize on the trend of passive multiplayer gaming by designing online platforms and games that facilitate seamless player interaction and alliance formation without relying on traditional communication methods.
3. Communication Technology - The communication technology industry has an opportunity to support communication-driven gameplay trends by developing new tools and technologies that enhance in-game communication experiences and enable more immersive player interactions.
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