Helpers - Revision history

Staffan Björk at 13:43, 21 July 2016

2016-07-21T13:43:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:43, 21 July 2016
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	== Consequences ==		== Consequences ==
	[[Helpers]] are [[Non-Player Characters]] that help players in [[Levels]] or [[Game Worlds]] by providing players with [[Clues]], [[Quests]] or services such as [[Trading]] or performing [[Privileged Abilities]] (e.g. healing [[Damage]]). Quite naturally, [[Helpers]] are not compatible with [[Enemies]] but the presence of the pattern [[Actions Have Diegetically Social Consequences]] can turn [[Helpers]] into [[Enemies]] if players do despicable actions according to the [[Helpers]].		[[Helpers]] are [[Non-Player Characters]] that help players in [[Game Boards]], [[Levels]], or [[Game Worlds]] by providing players with [[Clues]], [[Quests]] or services such as [[Trading]] or performing [[Privileged Abilities]] (e.g. healing [[Damage]]). Quite naturally, [[Helpers]] are not compatible with [[Enemies]] but the presence of the pattern [[Actions Have Diegetically Social Consequences]] can turn [[Helpers]] into [[Enemies]] if players do despicable actions according to the [[Helpers]].

	The information provided by [[Helpers]] is likely to be in the form of [[Indirect Information]] since providing [[Direct Information]] through them breaks [[Diegetic Consistency]]. Like [[Clues]], [[Helpers]] can support [[Smooth Learning Curves]] by offering additional help when needed.		The information provided by [[Helpers]] is likely to be in the form of [[Indirect Information]] since providing [[Direct Information]] through them breaks [[Diegetic Consistency]]. Like [[Clues]], [[Helpers]] can support [[Smooth Learning Curves]] by offering additional help when needed.
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	=== Can Modulate ===		=== Can Modulate ===
			[[Game Boards]],
	[[Game Worlds]],		[[Game Worlds]],
	[[Helplessness]],		[[Helplessness]],

Staffan Björk: /* Can Be Modulated By */

2016-07-04T10:33:13Z

Can Be Modulated By

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:33, 4 July 2016
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	=== Can Be Modulated By ===		=== Can Be Modulated By ===
	[[Actions Have Diegetically Social Consequences]],		[[Actions Have Diegetically Social Consequences]],
			[[Character Levels]],
	[[Dialogues]]		[[Dialogues]]

Staffan Björk at 09:01, 5 August 2011

2011-08-05T09:01:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:01, 5 August 2011
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	~~[[Category:Staffan's current workpage]]~~
	[[Category:Patterns]]		[[Category:Patterns]]
	[[Category:Diegetic Patterns]]		[[Category:Diegetic Patterns]]

Staffan Björk at 12:06, 3 August 2011

2011-08-03T12:06:23Z

Staffan Björk at 12:00, 3 August 2011

2011-08-03T12:00:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:00, 3 August 2011
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	[[Category:Patterns]]		[[Category:Patterns]]
	[[Category:Diegetic Patterns]]		[[Category:Diegetic Patterns]]
	~~[[Category:Needs work]]~~
	[[Category:Needs revision]]		[[Category:Needs revision]]
	[[Category:Needs examples]]		[[Category:Needs examples]]
	[[Category:Needs references]]		[[Category:Needs references]]
	~~[[Category:Patterns created on the Wiki]]~~		''Non-player characters that help players.''
	~~[[Category:Stub]]~~
	''~~Diegetic individuals~~ that help players.''

	~~This pattern is a still a stub.~~		In many moment during gameplay, players may either need or want help, either in the form of information or actions. [[Helpers]] are people in game worlds controlled by the game that provide such help. Some provide just one type of help in one specific place while others follow players exploration of gameplay to provide continuous help.

	~~Helpers are game elements presented as diegetic characters that support the~~ players in ~~completing goals by giving advice~~ or ~~by performing~~ actions ~~which the players are not able to perform~~. ~~They~~ are ~~not under players' control, and typically do not move around~~ in the game ~~world~~.

	=== Examples ===		=== Examples ===
	~~Example: the rumor~~ spreading non-player characters in Ultima series ~~are~~ sometimes directly and sometimes indirectly giving the player advice on how to progress in the game.		Rumor spreading non-player characters in the [[Ultima series\|Ultima]], [[Elder Scrolls series\|Elder Scrolls]], and [[Fallout series]] sometimes directly and sometimes indirectly giving the player advice on how to progress in the game. Each of the games in [[The Legend of Zelda series]] contains several helpers, ranging from helpful grandmothers to talking boats.

	~~Example: each of~~ the ~~games~~ in The ~~Legend~~ of ~~Zelda series contains several helpers from helpful grandmothers to talking boats~~.		Solving quests or mysteries in games such as [[Fahrenheit]] and [[Heavy Rain]], requires talking to non-player characters. This also occurs in the [[Dragon Age series\|Dragon Age]], [[Elder Scrolls series\|Elder Scrolls]] and [[Fallout series]], and here sometimes the [[Helpers]] take active part in the gameplay to limited periods. The [[Dragon Age series]] and the [[Fallout series]] also provide companions that help players throughout large parts of the game regardless of what specific quests are being undertaken.

	[[~~Mario Kart~~ series]] ~~being towed after falling of courses~~		Choosing the ''Mysterious Stranger'' perk in the [[Fallout series]] gives players a certain chance to be helped very temporarily in combat when things look grim. [[Fallout: New Vegas]] add a similar perk, ''Miss Fortune'', that deals fatigue damage rather than real damage.

	~~Choosing~~ the ~~''Mysterious Stranger'' perk~~ in the [[~~Fallout~~ series]] gives players a certain chance to be helped very temporarily in combat when things look grim. [[Fallout: New Vegas]] add a similar perk, ''Miss Fortune'', that deals fatigue damage rather than real damage.		Players that have go off the race courses and fallen into the oceans present in some maps in the [[Mario Kart series]] are towed by helpful non-player characters so they can resume the races.

	== Using the pattern ==		== Using the pattern ==

Staffan Björk: /* Can Be Modulated By */

2011-08-03T11:49:09Z

Can Be Modulated By

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:49, 3 August 2011
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	=== Can Be Modulated By ===		=== Can Be Modulated By ===
	[[Actions Have Diegetically Social Consequences]]		[[Actions Have Diegetically Social Consequences]],
			[[Dialogues]]

	=== Possible Closure Effects ===		=== Possible Closure Effects ===

Staffan Björk: /* Using the pattern */

2011-08-03T11:48:39Z

Using the pattern

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:48, 3 August 2011
Line 26:		Line 26:
	Designing [[Helpers]] consist of deciding on what type of [[Non-Player Characters]] the [[Helpers]] should be and what type of help should be provided. They two areas are however related since the available actions and planning of different types of [[Non-Player Characters]] can allow some types of help but be unable to allow other types of help.		Designing [[Helpers]] consist of deciding on what type of [[Non-Player Characters]] the [[Helpers]] should be and what type of help should be provided. They two areas are however related since the available actions and planning of different types of [[Non-Player Characters]] can allow some types of help but be unable to allow other types of help.

	Giving [[Clues]] or helping with [[Quests]] in some fashion requires little agency and can be done by [[Non-Player Characters]] as limited as [[Self-Service Kiosks]] represented as diegetic people. When [[Narrative Engrossment]] is wanted, [[Gossip]] may be an appropriate way of providing [[Clues]] since it is also inherently diegetic. [[Helpers]] can be used to create [[Red Herrings]] for players as the information they provide is rarely [[Direct Information]] about the game state. In games with [[Private Game Spaces]], [[Tutorial Neighbors]] can offer the same types of helps as [[Self-Service Kiosks]] but can provide an additional way of supporting [[Smooth Learning Curves]] through giving players an example of how gameplay can develop. Both these types of [[Helpers]] can also allow players to engage in [[Trading]] or have access to [[Privileged Abilities]] such as [[Crafting]] or healing [[Damage]].		Giving [[Clues]], helping with [[Quests]] in some fashion, and engaging in [[Dialogues]] requires little agency and can be done by [[Non-Player Characters]] as limited as [[Self-Service Kiosks]] represented as diegetic people. When [[Narrative Engrossment]] is wanted, [[Gossip]] may be an appropriate way of providing [[Clues]] since it is also inherently diegetic. [[Helpers]] can be used to create [[Red Herrings]] for players as the information they provide is rarely [[Direct Information]] about the game state. In games with [[Private Game Spaces]], [[Tutorial Neighbors]] can offer the same types of helps as [[Self-Service Kiosks]] but can provide an additional way of supporting [[Smooth Learning Curves]] through giving players an example of how gameplay can develop. Both these types of [[Helpers]] can also allow players to engage in [[Trading]] or have access to [[Privileged Abilities]] such as [[Crafting]] or healing [[Damage]].

	[[Companions]] are the most versatile types of [[Helpers]] and may be as helpful as [[AI Players]], including being members of [[Parties]]. [[Cutscenes]] are in contrast very restricted but can also be used to create [[Helpers]], typically then as part of [[Predetermined Story Structures]]. [[Helplessness]] is not so often alleviated by [[Helpers]] but the [[Mario Kart series]] shows how this is done through [[Cutscenes]] and the [[Left 4 Dead series]] shows how [[Companions]] can be skilled in doing this.		[[Companions]] are the most versatile types of [[Helpers]] and may be as helpful as [[AI Players]], including being members of [[Parties]]. [[Cutscenes]] are in contrast very restricted but can also be used to create [[Helpers]], typically then as part of [[Predetermined Story Structures]]. [[Helplessness]] is not so often alleviated by [[Helpers]] but the [[Mario Kart series]] shows how this is done through [[Cutscenes]] and the [[Left 4 Dead series]] shows how [[Companions]] can be skilled in doing this.

Staffan Björk at 11:48, 3 August 2011

2011-08-03T11:48:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:48, 3 August 2011
Line 26:		Line 26:
	Designing [[Helpers]] consist of deciding on what type of [[Non-Player Characters]] the [[Helpers]] should be and what type of help should be provided. They two areas are however related since the available actions and planning of different types of [[Non-Player Characters]] can allow some types of help but be unable to allow other types of help.		Designing [[Helpers]] consist of deciding on what type of [[Non-Player Characters]] the [[Helpers]] should be and what type of help should be provided. They two areas are however related since the available actions and planning of different types of [[Non-Player Characters]] can allow some types of help but be unable to allow other types of help.

	Giving [[Clues]] or helping with [[Quests]] in some fashion requires little agency and can be done by [[Non-Player Characters]] as limited as [[Self-Service Kiosks]] represented as diegetic people. When [[Narrative Engrossment]] is wanted, [[Gossip]] may be an appropriate way of providing [[Clues]] since it is also inherently diegetic. In games with [[Private Game Spaces]], [[Tutorial Neighbors]] can offer the same types of helps as [[Self-Service Kiosks]] but can provide an additional way of supporting [[Smooth Learning Curves]] through giving players an example of how gameplay can develop. Both these types of [[Helpers]] can also allow players to engage in [[Trading]] or have access to [[Privileged Abilities]] such as [[Crafting]] or healing [[Damage]]. [[Companions]] are the most versatile types of [[Helpers]] and may be as helpful as [[AI Players]], including being members of [[Parties]]. Even [[Cutscenes]] can be used to create [[Helpers]], typically then as part of [[Predetermined Story Structures]]. [[Helplessness]] is not so often alleviated by [[Helpers]] but the [[Mario Kart series]] shows how this is done through [[Cutscenes]] and the [[Left 4 Dead series]] shows how [[Companions]] can be skilled in doing this.		Giving [[Clues]] or helping with [[Quests]] in some fashion requires little agency and can be done by [[Non-Player Characters]] as limited as [[Self-Service Kiosks]] represented as diegetic people. When [[Narrative Engrossment]] is wanted, [[Gossip]] may be an appropriate way of providing [[Clues]] since it is also inherently diegetic. [[Helpers]] can be used to create [[Red Herrings]] for players as the information they provide is rarely [[Direct Information]] about the game state. In games with [[Private Game Spaces]], [[Tutorial Neighbors]] can offer the same types of helps as [[Self-Service Kiosks]] but can provide an additional way of supporting [[Smooth Learning Curves]] through giving players an example of how gameplay can develop. Both these types of [[Helpers]] can also allow players to engage in [[Trading]] or have access to [[Privileged Abilities]] such as [[Crafting]] or healing [[Damage]].

	[[Helpers]] ~~can~~ be ~~modified by~~ [[~~Actions Have Diegetically Social Consequences~~]]~~. That is~~, ~~they can be designed so that they will not help players that have behaved in a certain way, or may require players to perform certain actions to begin helping them. This may also be represented as~~ [[~~Quests~~]] ~~which differ from the one~~ [[~~Helpers~~]] ~~provide aid with~~ in ~~that they are done~~ to ~~gain access to the~~ [[Helpers]]~~. Examples of these~~		[[Companions]] are the most versatile types of [[Helpers]] and may be as helpful as [[AI Players]], including being members of [[Parties]]. [[Cutscenes]] are in contrast very restricted but can also be used to create [[Helpers]], typically then as part of [[Predetermined Story Structures]]. [[Helplessness]] is not so often alleviated by [[Helpers]] but the [[Mario Kart series]] shows how this is done through [[Cutscenes]] and the [[Left 4 Dead series]] shows how [[Companions]] can be skilled in doing this.

	~~However~~, ~~as Helpers~~ typically ~~are represented~~ as ~~living creatures, they may provide different Indirect Information when interacted with several times. This may range from simply rotating through a couple~~ of ~~answers to provide variation to providing new pieces of information when the previous goals have been completed~~. ~~Further, game designer have to determine if the players can modify the reaction of Helpers~~ by ~~their actions, e. g. gifts, bribes, threats, or direct attacks. Sometimes~~ Helpers ~~can also act as Tools, for example,~~ the ~~Lion Boat in The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker~~ is ~~also the player's main means of transportation. Helpers can be used to create Red Herrings for the players as the information they provide is rarely Direct Information about the game state.~~

	~~Game elements can change roles between being Helpers~~ and ~~Units due to~~ the ~~actions of the player, and this~~ can be ~~used to create new subgoals for the player. For example,~~ in Baldur's Gate the player can talk to many non-player characters in the game, but some these characters can also be invited to the player's adventuring party, effectively changing their status from being a Helper to being a Unit.

			[[Helpers]] can be modified by [[Actions Have Diegetically Social Consequences]]. That is, they can be designed so that they will not help players that have behaved in a certain way, or may require players to perform certain actions to begin helping them. This may also be represented as [[Quests]] which differ from the one [[Helpers]] provide aid with in that they are done to gain access to the [[Helpers]], or simply as requirements on players' [[Abilities]], [[Attributes]], [[Powers]], [[Skills], [[Character Levels]], or other characteristics. Gaining [[Companions]] in the [[Fallout series]] or the [[Baldur's Gate series]]provide examples of this.

	=== Diegetic Aspects ===		=== Diegetic Aspects ===
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	[[Helpers]] are [[Non-Player Characters]] that help players in [[Levels]] or [[Game Worlds]] by providing players with [[Clues]], [[Quests]] or services such as [[Trading]] or performing [[Privileged Abilities]] (e.g. healing [[Damage]]). Quite naturally, [[Helpers]] are not compatible with [[Enemies]] but the presence of the pattern [[Actions Have Diegetically Social Consequences]] can turn [[Helpers]] into [[Enemies]] if players do despicable actions according to the [[Helpers]].		[[Helpers]] are [[Non-Player Characters]] that help players in [[Levels]] or [[Game Worlds]] by providing players with [[Clues]], [[Quests]] or services such as [[Trading]] or performing [[Privileged Abilities]] (e.g. healing [[Damage]]). Quite naturally, [[Helpers]] are not compatible with [[Enemies]] but the presence of the pattern [[Actions Have Diegetically Social Consequences]] can turn [[Helpers]] into [[Enemies]] if players do despicable actions according to the [[Helpers]].

	Like [[Clues]], [[Helpers]] can support [[Smooth Learning Curves]] by offering additional help when needed.		The information provided by [[Helpers]] are likely to be in the form of [[Indirect Information]] since providing [[Direct Information]] through them breaks [[Diegetic Consistency]]. Like [[Clues]], [[Helpers]] can support [[Smooth Learning Curves]] by offering additional help when needed.

	[[Helpers]] that do not automatically provide help or have retracted their help until some amends have been done give rise to [[Gain Competence]] or [[Gain Information]] goals.		[[Helpers]] that do not automatically provide help or have retracted their help until some amends have been done give rise to [[Gain Competence]] or [[Gain Information]] goals.
Line 53:		Line 50:
	[[Gain Competence]],		[[Gain Competence]],
	[[Gain Information]],		[[Gain Information]],
			[[Indirect Information]],
	[[Predetermined Story Structures]],		[[Predetermined Story Structures]],
	[[Privileged Abilities]],		[[Privileged Abilities]],
			[[Red Herrings]],
	[[Smooth Learning Curves]],		[[Smooth Learning Curves]],
	[[Trading]],		[[Trading]],

Staffan Björk at 11:40, 3 August 2011

2011-08-03T11:40:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:40, 3 August 2011
Line 26:		Line 26:
	Designing [[Helpers]] consist of deciding on what type of [[Non-Player Characters]] the [[Helpers]] should be and what type of help should be provided. They two areas are however related since the available actions and planning of different types of [[Non-Player Characters]] can allow some types of help but be unable to allow other types of help.		Designing [[Helpers]] consist of deciding on what type of [[Non-Player Characters]] the [[Helpers]] should be and what type of help should be provided. They two areas are however related since the available actions and planning of different types of [[Non-Player Characters]] can allow some types of help but be unable to allow other types of help.

	Giving [[Clues]] or helping with [[Quests]] in some fashion requires little agency and can be done by [[Non-Player Characters]] as limited as [[Self-Service Kiosks]] represented as diegetic people. When [[Narrative Engrossment]] is wanted, [[Gossip]] may be an appropriate way of providing [[Clues]] since it is also inherently diegetic. In games with [[Private Game Spaces]], [[Tutorial Neighbors]] can offer the same types of helps as [[Self-Service Kiosks]] but can provide an additional way of supporting [[Smooth Learning Curves]] through giving players an example of how gameplay can develop. Both these types of [[Helpers]] can also allow players to engage in [[Trading]] or have access to [[Privileged Abilities]] such as [[Crafting]] or healing [[Damage]]. [[Companions]] are the most versatile types of [[Helpers]] and may be as helpful as [[AI Players]], including being members of [[Parties]]. Even [[Cutscenes]] can be used to create [[Helpers]], typically then as part of [[Predetermined Story Structures]].		Giving [[Clues]] or helping with [[Quests]] in some fashion requires little agency and can be done by [[Non-Player Characters]] as limited as [[Self-Service Kiosks]] represented as diegetic people. When [[Narrative Engrossment]] is wanted, [[Gossip]] may be an appropriate way of providing [[Clues]] since it is also inherently diegetic. In games with [[Private Game Spaces]], [[Tutorial Neighbors]] can offer the same types of helps as [[Self-Service Kiosks]] but can provide an additional way of supporting [[Smooth Learning Curves]] through giving players an example of how gameplay can develop. Both these types of [[Helpers]] can also allow players to engage in [[Trading]] or have access to [[Privileged Abilities]] such as [[Crafting]] or healing [[Damage]]. [[Companions]] are the most versatile types of [[Helpers]] and may be as helpful as [[AI Players]], including being members of [[Parties]]. Even [[Cutscenes]] can be used to create [[Helpers]], typically then as part of [[Predetermined Story Structures]]. [[Helplessness]] is not so often alleviated by [[Helpers]] but the [[Mario Kart series]] shows how this is done through [[Cutscenes]] and the [[Left 4 Dead series]] shows how [[Companions]] can be skilled in doing this.

	[[~~Helpers]] can be modified by [[Actions Have Diegetically Social Consequences~~]]~~. That~~ is~~, they can be designed~~ so ~~that they will not help players that have behaved in a certain way, or may require players to perform certain actions to begin helping them. This may also be represented as~~ [[~~Quests~~]] ~~which differ from~~ the ~~one~~ [[~~Helpers~~]] ~~provide aid with in that they are~~ done ~~to gain access to the~~ [[~~Helpers~~]].

	[[~~Helplessness~~]] ~~is not so often alleviated by~~ [[~~Helpers~~]] ~~but the [[Mario~~

			[[Helpers]] can be modified by [[Actions Have Diegetically Social Consequences]]. That is, they can be designed so that they will not help players that have behaved in a certain way, or may require players to perform certain actions to begin helping them. This may also be represented as [[Quests]] which differ from the one [[Helpers]] provide aid with in that they are done to gain access to the [[Helpers]]. Examples of these

	However, as Helpers typically are represented as living creatures, they may provide different Indirect Information when interacted with several times. This may range from simply rotating through a couple of answers to provide variation to providing new pieces of information when the previous goals have been completed. Further, game designer have to determine if the players can modify the reaction of Helpers by their actions, e. g. gifts, bribes, threats, or direct attacks. Sometimes Helpers can also act as Tools, for example, the Lion Boat in The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker is also the player's main means of transportation. Helpers can be used to create Red Herrings for the players as the information they provide is rarely Direct Information about the game state.		However, as Helpers typically are represented as living creatures, they may provide different Indirect Information when interacted with several times. This may range from simply rotating through a couple of answers to provide variation to providing new pieces of information when the previous goals have been completed. Further, game designer have to determine if the players can modify the reaction of Helpers by their actions, e. g. gifts, bribes, threats, or direct attacks. Sometimes Helpers can also act as Tools, for example, the Lion Boat in The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker is also the player's main means of transportation. Helpers can be used to create Red Herrings for the players as the information they provide is rarely Direct Information about the game state.

Staffan Björk at 11:37, 3 August 2011

2011-08-03T11:37:40Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:37, 3 August 2011
Line 26:		Line 26:
	Designing [[Helpers]] consist of deciding on what type of [[Non-Player Characters]] the [[Helpers]] should be and what type of help should be provided. They two areas are however related since the available actions and planning of different types of [[Non-Player Characters]] can allow some types of help but be unable to allow other types of help.		Designing [[Helpers]] consist of deciding on what type of [[Non-Player Characters]] the [[Helpers]] should be and what type of help should be provided. They two areas are however related since the available actions and planning of different types of [[Non-Player Characters]] can allow some types of help but be unable to allow other types of help.

	Giving [[Clues]] or helping with [[Quests]] in some fashion requires little agency and can be done by [[Non-Player Characters]] as limited as [[Self-Service Kiosks]] represented as diegetic people. When [[Narrative Engrossment]] is wanted, [[Gossip]] may be an appropriate way of providing [[Clues]] since it is also inherently diegetic. In games with [[Private Game Spaces]], [[Tutorial Neighbors]] can offer the same types of helps as [[Self-Service Kiosks]] but can provide an additional way of supporting [[Smooth Learning Curves]] through giving players an example of how gameplay can develop. Both these types of [[Helpers]] can also allow players to engage in [[Trading]] or have access to [[Privileged Abilities]] such as [[Crafting]] or healing [[Damage]]. [[Companions]] are the most versatile types of [[Helpers]] and may be as helpful as [[AI Players]]. Even [[Cutscenes]] can be used to create [[Helpers]], typically then as part of [[Predetermined Story Structures]].		Giving [[Clues]] or helping with [[Quests]] in some fashion requires little agency and can be done by [[Non-Player Characters]] as limited as [[Self-Service Kiosks]] represented as diegetic people. When [[Narrative Engrossment]] is wanted, [[Gossip]] may be an appropriate way of providing [[Clues]] since it is also inherently diegetic. In games with [[Private Game Spaces]], [[Tutorial Neighbors]] can offer the same types of helps as [[Self-Service Kiosks]] but can provide an additional way of supporting [[Smooth Learning Curves]] through giving players an example of how gameplay can develop. Both these types of [[Helpers]] can also allow players to engage in [[Trading]] or have access to [[Privileged Abilities]] such as [[Crafting]] or healing [[Damage]]. [[Companions]] are the most versatile types of [[Helpers]] and may be as helpful as [[AI Players]], including being members of [[Parties]]. Even [[Cutscenes]] can be used to create [[Helpers]], typically then as part of [[Predetermined Story Structures]].

	[[Helpers]] can be modified by [[Actions Have Diegetically Social Consequences]]. That is, they can be designed so that they will not help players that have behaved in a certain way, or may require players to perform certain actions to begin helping them. This may also be represented as [[Quests]] which differ from the one [[Helpers]] provide aid with in that they are done to gain access to the [[Helpers]].		[[Helpers]] can be modified by [[Actions Have Diegetically Social Consequences]]. That is, they can be designed so that they will not help players that have behaved in a certain way, or may require players to perform certain actions to begin helping them. This may also be represented as [[Quests]] which differ from the one [[Helpers]] provide aid with in that they are done to gain access to the [[Helpers]].

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:06, 3 August 2011
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	''Non-player characters that help players.''		''Non-player characters that help players.''

	In many ~~moment~~ during gameplay, players may either need or want help, either in the form of information or actions. [[Helpers]] are people in game worlds controlled by the game that provide such help. Some provide just one type of help in one specific place while others follow players exploration of gameplay to provide continuous help.		In many moments during gameplay, players may either need or want help, either in the form of information or actions. [[Helpers]] are people in game worlds controlled by the game that provide such help. Some provide just one type of help in one specific place while others follow players exploration of gameplay to provide continuous help.

	=== Examples ===		=== Examples ===
	Rumor spreading non-player characters in the [[Ultima series\|Ultima]], [[Elder Scrolls series\|Elder Scrolls]], and [[Fallout series]] sometimes directly and sometimes indirectly giving the player advice on how to progress in the game. Each of the games in [[The Legend of Zelda series]] contains several helpers, ranging from helpful grandmothers to talking boats.		Rumor spreading non-player characters in the [[Ultima series\|Ultima]], [[Elder Scrolls series\|Elder Scrolls]], and [[Fallout series]] sometimes directly and sometimes indirectly giving the player advice on how to progress in the game. Each of the games in [[The Legend of Zelda series]] contains several helpers, ranging from helpful grandmothers to talking boats.

	Solving quests or mysteries in games such as [[Fahrenheit]] and [[Heavy Rain]], requires talking to non-player characters. This also occurs in the [[Dragon Age series\|Dragon Age]], [[Elder Scrolls series\|Elder Scrolls]] and [[Fallout series]], and here sometimes the [[Helpers]] take active part in the gameplay to limited periods. The [[Dragon Age series]] and the [[Fallout series]] also provide companions that help players throughout large parts of the game regardless of what specific quests are being undertaken.		Solving quests or mysteries in games such as [[Fahrenheit]] and [[Heavy Rain]], requires talking to non-player characters. This also occurs in the [[Dragon Age series\|Dragon Age]], [[Elder Scrolls series\|Elder Scrolls]], and [[Fallout series]], and here sometimes the [[Helpers]] take active part in the gameplay to limited periods. The [[Dragon Age series]] and the [[Fallout series]] also provide companions that help players throughout large parts of the game regardless of what specific quests are being undertaken.

	Choosing the ''Mysterious Stranger'' perk in the [[Fallout series]] gives players a certain chance to be helped very temporarily in combat when things look grim. [[Fallout: New Vegas]] add a similar perk, ''Miss Fortune'', that deals fatigue damage rather than real damage.		Choosing the ''Mysterious Stranger'' perk in the [[Fallout series]] gives players a certain chance to be helped very temporarily in combat when things look grim. [[Fallout: New Vegas]] add a similar perk, ''Miss Fortune'', that provides a [[Helpers\|Helper]] that deals fatigue damage rather than real damage.

	Players that have go off the race courses and fallen into the oceans present in some maps in the [[Mario Kart series]] are towed by helpful non-player characters so they can resume the races.		Players that have go off the race courses and fallen into the oceans present in some maps in the [[Mario Kart series]] are towed by helpful non-player characters so they can resume the races.
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	[[Companions]] are the most versatile types of [[Helpers]] and may be as helpful as [[AI Players]], including being members of [[Parties]]. [[Cutscenes]] are in contrast very restricted but can also be used to create [[Helpers]], typically then as part of [[Predetermined Story Structures]]. [[Helplessness]] is not so often alleviated by [[Helpers]] but the [[Mario Kart series]] shows how this is done through [[Cutscenes]] and the [[Left 4 Dead series]] shows how [[Companions]] can be skilled in doing this.		[[Companions]] are the most versatile types of [[Helpers]] and may be as helpful as [[AI Players]], including being members of [[Parties]]. [[Cutscenes]] are in contrast very restricted but can also be used to create [[Helpers]], typically then as part of [[Predetermined Story Structures]]. [[Helplessness]] is not so often alleviated by [[Helpers]] but the [[Mario Kart series]] shows how this is done through [[Cutscenes]] and the [[Left 4 Dead series]] shows how [[Companions]] can be skilled in doing this.

	[[Helpers]] can be modified by [[Actions Have Diegetically Social Consequences]]. That is, they can be designed so that they will not help players that have behaved in a certain way, or may require players to perform certain actions to begin helping them. This may also be represented as [[Quests]] which differ from the ~~one~~ [[Helpers]] provide aid with in that they are done to gain access to the [[Helpers]]~~, or simply~~ as requirements on players' [[Abilities]], [[Attributes]], [[Powers]], [[Skills], [[Character Levels]], or other characteristics. Gaining [[Companions]] in the [[Fallout series]] or the [[Baldur's Gate series]]provide examples of this.		[[Helpers]] can be modified by [[Actions Have Diegetically Social Consequences]]. That is, they can be designed so that they will not help players that have behaved in a certain way, or may require players to perform certain actions to begin helping them. This may also be represented as [[Quests]] which differ from the ones [[Helpers]] provide aid with through the fact that they are done to gain access to the [[Helpers]]. Gaining [[Helpers]] aid may also be as simple as meeting requirements regarding players' [[Abilities]], [[Attributes]], [[Powers]], [[Skills]], [[Character Levels]], or other characteristics. Gaining [[Companions]] in the [[Fallout series]] or the [[Baldur's Gate series]] provide examples of this.

	=== Diegetic Aspects ===		=== Diegetic Aspects ===
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	=== Narrative Aspects ===		=== Narrative Aspects ===
	[[Helpers]] can be used both to drive [[Predetermined Story Structures]] forward or to provide additional details to them.		[[Helpers]] can be used both to drive [[Predetermined Story Structures]] forward and to provide additional details to them.

	== Consequences ==		== Consequences ==
	[[Helpers]] are [[Non-Player Characters]] that help players in [[Levels]] or [[Game Worlds]] by providing players with [[Clues]], [[Quests]] or services such as [[Trading]] or performing [[Privileged Abilities]] (e.g. healing [[Damage]]). Quite naturally, [[Helpers]] are not compatible with [[Enemies]] but the presence of the pattern [[Actions Have Diegetically Social Consequences]] can turn [[Helpers]] into [[Enemies]] if players do despicable actions according to the [[Helpers]].		[[Helpers]] are [[Non-Player Characters]] that help players in [[Levels]] or [[Game Worlds]] by providing players with [[Clues]], [[Quests]] or services such as [[Trading]] or performing [[Privileged Abilities]] (e.g. healing [[Damage]]). Quite naturally, [[Helpers]] are not compatible with [[Enemies]] but the presence of the pattern [[Actions Have Diegetically Social Consequences]] can turn [[Helpers]] into [[Enemies]] if players do despicable actions according to the [[Helpers]].

	The information provided by [[Helpers]] ~~are~~ likely to be in the form of [[Indirect Information]] since providing [[Direct Information]] through them breaks [[Diegetic Consistency]]. Like [[Clues]], [[Helpers]] can support [[Smooth Learning Curves]] by offering additional help when needed.		The information provided by [[Helpers]] is likely to be in the form of [[Indirect Information]] since providing [[Direct Information]] through them breaks [[Diegetic Consistency]]. Like [[Clues]], [[Helpers]] can support [[Smooth Learning Curves]] by offering additional help when needed.

	[[Helpers]] that do not automatically provide help or have retracted their help until some amends have been done give rise to [[Gain Competence]] or [[Gain Information]] goals.		[[Helpers]] that do not automatically provide help or have retracted their help until some amends have been done give rise to [[Gain Competence]] or [[Gain Information]] goals.