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LLM-Powered NPCs: Evaluating the Impact of Large Language Models on NPC Design
Stockholm University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Computer and Systems Sciences.
Stockholm University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Computer and Systems Sciences.
Stockholm University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Computer and Systems Sciences.ORCID iD: 0000-0002-1444-5997
Number of Authors: 32025 (English)In: Interactive Storytelling 2025: 18th International Conference on Interactive Digital Storytelling, ICIDS 2025, Saint Julian, Malta, December 1–5, 2025, Proceedings, Part II / [ed] María Cecilia Reyes; Frank Nack, Springer Nature , 2025, p. 171-189Conference paper, Published paper (Refereed)
Abstract [en]

This study explores how the integration of Large Language Models (LLMs) in story-driven video games may impact the social interactions and storytelling with non-playing characters (NPCs). We conducted a case study where participants experienced interacting with LLM-controlled NPCs in the roleplaying game Skyrim. Using the community based game modification Mantella, an alternative to the traditional scripted dialogue trees used for NPC that is substituted with LLM-powered conversations. The case study was conducted in three phases; first with a structured interview, second by an experiment where the participants interacted with LLM-powered NPCs, and finally by an in-depth semi-structured interview concerning the participants’ experiences. The data was thematically analyzed. Our findings indicate that LLM-powered NPCs enhance immersion and agency, as well as offering a sense of recurring novelty due to the unpredictable nature of LLMs. However, implementing a technology which allows for unrestricted dialogue and storytelling in a game not designed for it, poses challenges. For example, nascent technological issues with the integration of the LLM in the game mechanics may have a negative impact on players’ in terms of immersion and the believability of the NPCs. In addition, we examine the potential for LLM-powered NPCs to enrich game worlds in alignment with an appropriate game design. Based on the results, we suggest the suitable approaches for the usage of LLM-powered NPCs in future game development in regards to story-driven games and other applications where narration is key.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Springer Nature , 2025. p. 171-189
Series
Lecture Notes in Computer Science (LNCS), ISSN 0302-9743 ; 16375
Keywords [en]
NPC, AI, Large Language Models, Interactive Story Telling, Role-playing Games, Believable Agents, Intelligent Agents, Conversational Agents, Game Design, Skyrim, Modding
National Category
Information Systems, Social aspects
Research subject
Computer and Systems Sciences
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:su:diva-250708DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-12405-0_10Scopus ID: 2-s2.0-105024541054ISBN: 978-3-032-12404-3 (print)ISBN: 978-3-032-12405-0 (electronic)OAI: oai:DiVA.org:su-250708DiVA, id: diva2:2024353
Conference
18th International Conference on Interactive Digital Storytelling, ICIDS 2025, Saint Julian, Malta, December 1–5, 2025.
Available from: 2025-12-28 Created: 2025-12-28 Last updated: 2026-01-13Bibliographically approved

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Eladhari, Mirjam Palosaari

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Trukhin, RufusFrenkel Isaksson, JensEladhari, Mirjam Palosaari
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CiteExportLink to record
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