"It's Dangerous to Go Alone": Examining NPCs as Influential Social Agents in an Original Single-Player RPG
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
General Experimental Psychology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Sean Rife, PhD
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Parasocial Interactions (PSI) and Parasocial Relationships (PSR) have the capacity to act as an extension of and supplement for healthy social interaction (Elvery, 2024). In some instances, PSI and PSR may even be used as a means to improve unfulfilled social needs and decrease feelings of loneliness (Jarzyna, 2021). It has been noted that digital media such as video games may produce parasocial encounters that are particularly unique, as they often simulate realistic, back-and-forth social interactions between users and a virtual agent (Elvery, 2023; Hartmann, 2008).
The present study intends to observe PSR formation between players and a non-player character (NPC) companion in the context of a video game designed exclusively for the purposes of this research. Specifically, this study aims to better understand the psychological outcomes associated with NPC presence and attachment. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group, in which they will complete a brief fantasy RPG in the presence of an NPC companion (NPC condition), or a control group, in which they will complete a version of the same game that does not feature the NPC companion (Alone condition).
Spring Scholars Week 2026
Psychology: Projects In-Progress
"It's Dangerous to Go Alone": Examining NPCs as Influential Social Agents in an Original Single-Player RPG
Parasocial Interactions (PSI) and Parasocial Relationships (PSR) have the capacity to act as an extension of and supplement for healthy social interaction (Elvery, 2024). In some instances, PSI and PSR may even be used as a means to improve unfulfilled social needs and decrease feelings of loneliness (Jarzyna, 2021). It has been noted that digital media such as video games may produce parasocial encounters that are particularly unique, as they often simulate realistic, back-and-forth social interactions between users and a virtual agent (Elvery, 2023; Hartmann, 2008).
The present study intends to observe PSR formation between players and a non-player character (NPC) companion in the context of a video game designed exclusively for the purposes of this research. Specifically, this study aims to better understand the psychological outcomes associated with NPC presence and attachment. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group, in which they will complete a brief fantasy RPG in the presence of an NPC companion (NPC condition), or a control group, in which they will complete a version of the same game that does not feature the NPC companion (Alone condition).