Characters - Revision history

Staffan Björk at 11:15, 18 October 2022

2022-10-18T11:15:40Z

Staffan Björk at 07:17, 8 April 2022

2022-04-08T07:17:45Z

Staffan Björk: /* Consequences */

2021-08-27T08:31:26Z

‎Consequences

Staffan Björk at 16:41, 19 January 2018

2018-01-19T16:41:30Z

Staffan Björk at 16:41, 19 January 2018

2018-01-19T16:41:18Z

Staffan Björk at 08:50, 3 September 2016

2016-09-03T08:50:18Z

Staffan Björk at 09:33, 15 July 2016

2016-07-15T09:33:33Z

Staffan Björk: /* Relations */

2015-08-25T12:51:02Z

‎Relations

Staffan Björk at 15:26, 6 August 2015

2015-08-06T15:26:45Z

Staffan Björk at 13:21, 4 August 2015

2015-08-04T13:21:23Z

@@ Line 56: / Line 56: @@
 [[Characters]] are [[Abstract Player Constructs]] representing people and other inhabitants of [[Game Worlds]] which diegetically have agency. In games with [[Game Worlds]], [[Characters]] form links between abstract game state values and concrete game state values through their connection to [[Avatars]] or [[Units]]. The [[Enactment]] of [[Characters]] by players or [[Game Masters]] lead to [[Roleplaying]], and when doing this well is seen as a goal managing to do so can provide [[Role Fulfillment]] (the possibility of this pattern can further be strengthened by relating [[Freedom of Choice]] to [[Characters]] in various ways).. [[Characters]] controlled by [[Agents]] that are players or [[AI Players]] are [[Player Characters]], as are [[Characters]] who player use for [[Roleplaying]]. When no concrete [[Game Worlds|Game World]] exists, [[Characters]] take the role of [[Focus Loci]] in replacement of [[Avatars]]. [[Characters]] is one way of creating [[Agents]], although typically needing the use of [[Avatars]] or [[Units]]. When they have [[Achilles' Heels]] or [[Vulnerabilities]], [[Characters]] immediately create goals concerning to [[Conceal]] these or [[Evade]] attempts to exploit them. More generally, threats of [[Penalties]] that can be avoided by [[Movement]] of the [[Characters]] give rise to [[Evade]] goals.
-[[Characters]] provide games with points for [[Identification]] and through these points [[Emotional Engrossment]] and [[Perspective Taking]], especially in cases where [[Roleplaying]] the [[Characters]] or [[Storytelling]] about the [[Characters]] is possible. This also makes them a source of [[Tension]] in games where the [[Characters]] may suffer [[Damage]] or other [[Penalties]], or where they may die. The personalities expressed by [[Characters]] make it possible to encourage certain actions and discourages others, and thereby achieving [[Enforced Agent Behavior]] as long as players wish to maintain [[Thematic Consistency]] ([[Enforced Agent Behavior]] can of course be guaranteed for those [[Characters]] that are controlled by [[Algorithmic Agents]]). Systems can, at the risk of ruining [[Player Agency]], enforce such wanted behaviors through the use of [[Automated Responses]].
+[[Characters]] provide games with points for [[Identification]] and through these points [[Emotional Engrossment]] and [[Perspective Taking]], especially in cases where [[Roleplaying]] the [[Characters]] or [[Storytelling]] about the [[Characters]] is possible. This also makes them a source of [[Tension]] in games where the [[Characters]] may suffer [[Damage]] or other [[Penalties]], or where they may die (i.e., being the focus of [[Survive]] goals). The personalities expressed by [[Characters]] make it possible to encourage certain actions and discourages others, and thereby achieving [[Enforced Agent Behavior]] as long as players wish to maintain [[Thematic Consistency]] ([[Enforced Agent Behavior]] can of course be guaranteed for those [[Characters]] that are controlled by [[Algorithmic Agents]]). Systems can, at the risk of ruining [[Player Agency]], enforce such wanted behaviors through the use of [[Automated Responses]].
 The [[Emotional Engrossment]] [[Characters]] can give makes it likely to strengthen the impact of, and widen the range of, [[Penalties]] usable in the game, especially in the case of [[Persistent Game Worlds]] or when [[Player-Planned Development]] of their [[Characters]] exists. The presence of [[Characters]] also allows more detailed [[Enemies]] and richer [[Narration Structures]] where social relationships can be important components.
@@ Line 89: / Line 89: @@
 [[Role Fulfillment]],
 [[Storytelling]],
 [[Tension]]

@@ Line 56: / Line 56: @@
 [[Characters]] are [[Abstract Player Constructs]] representing people and other inhabitants of [[Game Worlds]] which diegetically have agency. In games with [[Game Worlds]], [[Characters]] form links between abstract game state values and concrete game state values through their connection to [[Avatars]] or [[Units]]. The [[Enactment]] of [[Characters]] by players or [[Game Masters]] lead to [[Roleplaying]], and when doing this well is seen as a goal managing to do so can provide [[Role Fulfillment]] (the possibility of this pattern can further be strengthened by relating [[Freedom of Choice]] to [[Characters]] in various ways).. [[Characters]] controlled by [[Agents]] that are players or [[AI Players]] are [[Player Characters]], as are [[Characters]] who player use for [[Roleplaying]]. When no concrete [[Game Worlds|Game World]] exists, [[Characters]] take the role of [[Focus Loci]] in replacement of [[Avatars]]. [[Characters]] is one way of creating [[Agents]], although typically needing the use of [[Avatars]] or [[Units]]. When they have [[Achilles' Heels]] or [[Vulnerabilities]], [[Characters]] immediately create goals concerning to [[Conceal]] these or [[Evade]] attempts to exploit them. More generally, threats of [[Penalties]] that can be avoided by [[Movement]] of the [[Characters]] give rise to [[Evade]] goals.
-[[Characters]] provide games with points for [[Identification]] and through these points [[Emotional Engrossment]], especially in cases where [[Roleplaying]] the [[Characters]] or [[Storytelling]] about the [[Characters]] is possible. This also makes them a source of [[Tension]] in games where the [[Characters]] may suffer [[Damage]] or other [[Penalties]], or where they may die. The personalities expressed by [[Characters]] make it possible to encourage certain actions and discourages others, and thereby achieving [[Enforced Agent Behavior]] as long as players wish to maintain [[Thematic Consistency]] ([[Enforced Agent Behavior]] can of course be guaranteed for those [[Characters]] that are controlled by [[Algorithmic Agents]]). Systems can, at the risk of ruining [[Player Agency]], enforce such wanted behaviors through the use of [[Automated Responses]].
+[[Characters]] provide games with points for [[Identification]] and through these points [[Emotional Engrossment]] and [[Perspective Taking]], especially in cases where [[Roleplaying]] the [[Characters]] or [[Storytelling]] about the [[Characters]] is possible. This also makes them a source of [[Tension]] in games where the [[Characters]] may suffer [[Damage]] or other [[Penalties]], or where they may die. The personalities expressed by [[Characters]] make it possible to encourage certain actions and discourages others, and thereby achieving [[Enforced Agent Behavior]] as long as players wish to maintain [[Thematic Consistency]] ([[Enforced Agent Behavior]] can of course be guaranteed for those [[Characters]] that are controlled by [[Algorithmic Agents]]). Systems can, at the risk of ruining [[Player Agency]], enforce such wanted behaviors through the use of [[Automated Responses]].
 The [[Emotional Engrossment]] [[Characters]] can give makes it likely to strengthen the impact of, and widen the range of, [[Penalties]] usable in the game, especially in the case of [[Persistent Game Worlds]] or when [[Player-Planned Development]] of their [[Characters]] exists. The presence of [[Characters]] also allows more detailed [[Enemies]] and richer [[Narration Structures]] where social relationships can be important components.
@@ Line 83: / Line 83: @@
 [[Narration Structures]],
 [[Non-Player Characters]],
-[[Player Time Investments]], [[Player/Character Skill Composites]],
+[[Perspective Taking]],
 [[Predetermined Story Structures]],
 [[Role Fulfillment]],

@@ Line 60: / Line 60: @@
 The [[Emotional Engrossment]] [[Characters]] can give makes it likely to strengthen the impact of, and widen the range of, [[Penalties]] usable in the game, especially in the case of [[Persistent Game Worlds]] or when [[Player-Planned Development]] of their [[Characters]] exists. The presence of [[Characters]] also allows more detailed [[Enemies]] and richer [[Narration Structures]] where social relationships can be important components.
-The variety of values associated with [[Characters]] open up for a range of [[Rewards]], e.g. [[New Abilities|New]] or [[Improved Abilities]] through raised [[Attributes]] or [[Skills]], and [[Penalties]], such as [[Ability Losses]] or [[Decreased Abilities]] through received [[Damage]], that can occur during gameplay. Gaining [[Game Items]] can also work as [[Rewards]]. When these types of [[Rewards]] allow players some form of control over the [[Character Development]], this leads to increased [[Freedom of Choice]] in games as well as creates [[Player-Planned Development]], which is a form of [[Investment]] and allows the development of [[Competence Areas]] and [[Value of Effort]]. This is also a form of [[Customizable Development]], which can allow a game system to acknowledge [[Player Time Investments]] and can support [[Emotional Engrossment]] to the [[Characters]]. These attachments do likely need [[Persistent Game Worlds]] since they can require many hours play over several play sessions to arise. The possibility of [[Character Development]] or equipping [[Armor]], [[Tools]], or [[Weapons]] make [[Characters]] able to instantiate [[Player/Character Skill Composites]] as long as some player skill component exists in the actions performed. It should be noted that simply [[Roleplaying]] can also provide [[Character Development]] and this can catch all diegetic aspects of [[Character Development]] that specific rules otherwise would miss.
+The variety of values associated with [[Characters]] open up for a range of [[Rewards]], e.g. [[New Abilities|New]] or [[Improved Abilities]] through raised [[Attributes]] or [[Skills]], and [[Penalties]], such as [[Ability Losses]] or [[Decreased Abilities]] through received [[Damage]], that can occur during gameplay. Gaining [[Game Items]] can also work as [[Rewards]]. When these types of [[Rewards]] allow players some form of control over the [[Character Development]], this leads to increased [[Freedom of Choice]] in games as well as creates [[Player-Planned Development]], which is a form of [[Investments|Investment]] and allows the development of [[Competence Areas]] and [[Value of Effort]]. This is also a form of [[Customizable Development]], which can allow a game system to acknowledge [[Player Time Investments]] and can support [[Emotional Engrossment]] to the [[Characters]]. These attachments do likely need [[Persistent Game Worlds]] since they can require many hours play over several play sessions to arise. The possibility of [[Character Development]] or equipping [[Armor]], [[Tools]], or [[Weapons]] make [[Characters]] able to instantiate [[Player/Character Skill Composites]] as long as some player skill component exists in the actions performed. It should be noted that simply [[Roleplaying]] can also provide [[Character Development]] and this can catch all diegetic aspects of [[Character Development]] that specific rules otherwise would miss.
 When differences between [[Characters]] exist before gameplay begins, this leads to [[Asymmetric Starting Conditions]]. If these are not equally powerful this can disrupt [[Player Balance]] but can also be seen as a way of providing [[Difficulty Levels]]. In [[Multiplayer Games]], having [[Characters]] in [[Teams]] where they have different [[Privileged Abilities]] allows [[Orthogonal Differentiation]] and lets players perform [[Team Combos]]. This also allows players to specialize in different [[Competence Areas]] regardless if [[Character Development]] exists or not, and gives opportunities of engaging in [[Team Strategy Identification]]. One specific case, used in [[Hattrick]], is to have [[Coaches]] as [[Characters]] also. However, the differences in abilities may cause [[Player Balance]] to be disrupted. Games with [[Teams]] of [[Characters]] where [[Team Elimination]] is possible can motivate [[Player Elimination]] as a consequence of such elimination. Use of [[Characters]] as members of [[Teams]] also raises the question of allowing [[Reserves]] to have a possibility of choosing which [[Characters]] to make use of in particular gameplay situations.

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 Many games let players control game elements that represent people or creatures that act in the Game World. When these people or creatures have characteristics not directly shown in the Game World that can change during gameplay, these game elements have an abstract element called Character.
-Note: ''The use of character here is in the meaning of the characteristics of a person rather than the traditional use in art of the representation of a person ([[Agents]] is used instead for this meaning). Also, for this context anything one would be likely to take an intentional stance<ref name="dennett"/> towards, or perceive that one is intended to take such a stance, is considered a person.''
+Note: ''The use of character here is in the meaning of the characteristics of a person rather than the traditional use in art of the representation of a person ([[Agents]] is used instead). Also, for this context anything one would be likely to take an intentional stance<ref name="dennett"/> towards, or perceive that one is intended to take such a stance, is considered a person.''
 === Examples ===

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 Many games let players control game elements that represent people or creatures that act in the Game World. When these people or creatures have characteristics not directly shown in the Game World that can change during gameplay, these game elements have an abstract element called Character.
-Note: ''The use of character here is in the meaning of the characteristics of a person rather than the traditional use in art of the representation of a person ([[Agents]] is used instead form the traditional use). Also, for this context anything one would be likely to take an intentional stance<ref name="dennett"/> towards, or perceive that one is intended to take such a stance, is considered a person.''
+Note: ''The use of character here is in the meaning of the characteristics of a person rather than the traditional use in art of the representation of a person ([[Agents]] is used instead for this meaning). Also, for this context anything one would be likely to take an intentional stance<ref name="dennett"/> towards, or perceive that one is intended to take such a stance, is considered a person.''
 === Examples ===

@@ Line 39: / Line 39: @@
 [[Characters]] handle the abstract qualities of diegetic people and thereby helps maintain [[Diegetic Consistency]] since both hiding characteristics that should not be easily detectable but still making them possible to effect the gameplay. Encouraging or enforcing [[Diegetic Communication]] by the [[Characters]] is another step that can be takes to maintain [[Diegetic Consistency]]; allowing players to use [[Emotes]] can promote this type of communication but it is within the players' power to also break the consistency in this case.
-[[Characters]] do not have to have pre-made diegetic presentations,  but when they do [[Avatars]] are the most common form although some games (e.g. the [[X-Com series]] and the [[Jagged Alliance series]]) make use of [[Units]]. However, the [[Characters]] pattern does not need to be combined with any pre-defined ways of presenting people diegetically. Most table-top roleplaying games (such as [[GURPS]] and earlier editions of [[Dungeons and Dragons]]) support use of [[Avatars]] in combat situations but make it optional, letting players express their [[Characters]] through [[Enactment]] using only their own voice and body. Another example of not having a diegetic presence during gameplay can be found in the computer game [[Alter Ego]], which keeps track of the [[Attributes]] for the player's [[Characters|Character]] but doesn't present it in the [[Game Worlds|Game World]]. If [[Characters]] are complex enough, the presentation [[Avatars]] provide may need to be augmented by the use of [[Game State Indicators]] to provide enough information.
+[[Characters]] do not have to have pre-made diegetic presentations,  but when they do [[Avatars]] are the most common form although some games (e.g. the [[X-COM series]] and the [[Jagged Alliance series]]) make use of [[Units]]. However, the [[Characters]] pattern does not need to be combined with any pre-defined ways of presenting people diegetically. Most table-top roleplaying games (such as [[GURPS]] and earlier editions of [[Dungeons and Dragons]]) support use of [[Avatars]] in combat situations but make it optional, letting players express their [[Characters]] through [[Enactment]] using only their own voice and body. Another example of not having a diegetic presence during gameplay can be found in the computer game [[Alter Ego]], which keeps track of the [[Attributes]] for the player's [[Characters|Character]] but doesn't present it in the [[Game Worlds|Game World]]. If [[Characters]] are complex enough, the presentation [[Avatars]] provide may need to be augmented by the use of [[Game State Indicators]] to provide enough information.
 Maintaining [[Thematic Consistency]] for [[Characters]] may be easy for those only encountered briefly but [[Algorithmic Agents]] and the use of [[Open Destiny]] may be necessary to maintain a longer illusion of personality or intentionality, especially in games striving for [[Replayability]].

@@ Line 18: / Line 18: @@
 [[Characters]] are used to add complexity when creating [[Non-Player Characters]] or the [[Avatars]] controlled by players. The design of [[Characters]] in games can either be on the level of creating pre-defined descriptions and presentations of these or by creating rules for how players can create their own [[Player-Created Characters]] through the use of patterns such as [[Avatar Personalization]], [[Construction]], [[Initial Personalization]], or [[Naming]]. [[Workshopping]] techniques can be used to make possible both modification and full creations of [[Characters]] as part of supporting [[Initial Personalization]].
-[[Characters]] can exist weakly in games through a couple of design combinations, and these can be used in conjunction with more explicit ways of creating [[Characters]]. Simply having [[Handles]] or [[Health]] values in a [[HUD Interfaces|HUD Interface]] (or [[Geospatial Game Widgets]] in the case of [[Handles]]) does add some abstract qualities to [[Avatars]]. [[First-Person Views]] together with [[Point of Interest Indications]] or [[Vision Modes]] add the abstract characteristics of perceptual functionality to a game which otherwise may only have [[Avatars]]. However, for more explicit created [[Characters]] diegetically important features such as names (often determining the [[Handles|Handle]] that identifies the player's character to other players), gender, and occupations need to be created. Exactly what features are appropriate depend mainly on the type of [[Alternative Realities|Alternative Reality]] gameplay takes place within (e.g. many fantasy [[Roleplaying]] games have several different playable races).
+[[Characters]] can exist weakly in games through a couple of design combinations, and these can be used in conjunction with more explicit ways of creating [[Characters]]. Simply having [[Handles]] or [[Health]] values in a [[HUD Interfaces|HUD Interface]] (or [[Geospatial Game Widgets]] in the case of [[Handles]]) does add some abstract qualities to [[Avatars]]. [[First-Person Views]] together with [[Point of Interest Indicators]] or [[Vision Modes]] add the abstract characteristics of perceptual functionality to a game which otherwise may only have [[Avatars]]. However, for more explicit created [[Characters]] diegetically important features such as names (often determining the [[Handles|Handle]] that identifies the player's character to other players), gender, and occupations need to be created. Exactly what features are appropriate depend mainly on the type of [[Alternative Realities|Alternative Reality]] gameplay takes place within (e.g. many fantasy [[Roleplaying]] games have several different playable races).
 [[Characters]] are often given [[Characteristics]] related to the mechanical aspects of the game systems, and these also provide openings for future [[Character Development]]. Many different types of [[Characteristics]] are possible: [[Character Levels]] that affect overall power levels and access to various other traits, the numerical [[Attributes]] that represent physical or mental characteristics and determine values such as [[Lives]], [[Health]], and fatigue; the [[Abilities]], [[Powers]], and [[Skills]] that affect the likelihood of succeeding with actions and may give [[Privileged Abilities]] such as being a [[Producers|Producer]] that can create [[Renewable Resources]]; the [[Advantages]], [[Disadvantages]], quirks, or other ways of describing character traits and motivating initial [[Decreased Abilities]], [[Improved Abilities]], or [[Privileged Abilities]]; the [[Invulnerabilities]], [[Vulnerabilities]],  and [[Achilles' Heels]] that affect threats and opportunities to attack; the [[Inventories]], [[Equipment Slots]], [[Containers]], [[Pick-Ups]], and [[Transferable Items]] which regulate how [[Characters]] can have [[Resources]] and [[Game Items]]; and the [[Characters]] place in social networks within the [[Game Worlds]] that define their relations with [[NPCs]] (e.g. as as [[Companions]], [[Enemies]] or as having [[Linked Destinies]]), and the [[Characters]] positions in [[Hierarchical Factions]], including possible [[Loyalty]], [[Internal Conflicts]] and [[Internal Rivalry|Rivalries]] within those [[Factions]]. [[Character Alignments]] can be used as overarching ways of defining what type of person a [[Characters|Character]] is - after choosing an alignment the choices regarding [[Abilities]], [[Powers]], [[Skills]], [[Advantages]], and [[Disadvantages]] can be easier to make. In games with [[Avatars]], some of these characteristics are usually cosmetic but are still important as this [[Avatar Personalization]] supports [[Emotional Engrossment]] and [[Identification]] through [[Diegetically Outstanding Features]].
@@ Line 152: / Line 152: @@
 === Can Be Instantiated By ===
-[[First-Person Views]] together with [[Point of Interest Indications]] or [[Vision Modes]]
+[[First-Person Views]] together with [[Point of Interest Indicators]] or [[Vision Modes]]
 [[Handles]] together with [[HUD Interfaces]] or [[Geospatial Game Widgets]]

@@ Line 119: / Line 119: @@
 ==== with [[Enforced Agent Behavior]] ====
 [[Thematic Consistency]]
 ==== with [[Movement]] and [[Penalties]] ====
@@ Line 147: / Line 144: @@
 [[Alternative Realities]], [[Enemies]], [[Game Worlds]], [[NPCs]],
 [[Rewards]]
 ==== with [[Freedom of Choice]] ====

@@ Line 62: / Line 62: @@
 The variety of values associated with [[Characters]] open up for a range of [[Rewards]], e.g. [[New Abilities|New]] or [[Improved Abilities]] through raised [[Attributes]] or [[Skills]], and [[Penalties]], such as [[Ability Losses]] or [[Decreased Abilities]] through received [[Damage]], that can occur during gameplay. Gaining [[Game Items]] can also work as [[Rewards]]. When these types of [[Rewards]] allow players some form of control over the [[Character Development]], this leads to increased [[Freedom of Choice]] in games as well as creates [[Player-Planned Development]], which is a form of [[Investment]] and allows the development of [[Competence Areas]] and [[Value of Effort]]. This is also a form of [[Customizable Development]], which can allow a game system to acknowledge [[Player Time Investments]] and can support [[Emotional Engrossment]] to the [[Characters]]. These attachments do likely need [[Persistent Game Worlds]] since they can require many hours play over several play sessions to arise. The possibility of [[Character Development]] or equipping [[Armor]], [[Tools]], or [[Weapons]] make [[Characters]] able to instantiate [[Player/Character Skill Composites]] as long as some player skill component exists in the actions performed. It should be noted that simply [[Roleplaying]] can also provide [[Character Development]] and this can catch all diegetic aspects of [[Character Development]] that specific rules otherwise would miss.
-When differences between [[Characters]] exist before gameplay begins, this leads to [[Asymmetric Starting Conditions]]. If these are not equally powerful this can disrupt [[Player Balance]] but can also be seen as a way of providing [[Difficulty Levels]]. In [[Multiplayer Games]], having [[Characters]] in [[Teams]] where they have different [[Privileged Abilities]] allows [[Orthogonal Differentiation]] and lets players perform [[Team Combos]]. This also allows players to specialize in different [[Competence Areas]] regardless if [[Character Development]] exists or not, and gives opportunities of engaging in [[Team Strategy Identification]]. However, the differences in abilities may cause [[Player Balance]] to be disrupted. Games with [[Teams]] of [[Characters]] where [[Team Elimination]] is possible can motivate [[Player Elimination]] as a consequence of such elimination. Use of [[Characters]] as members of [[Teams]] also raises the question of allowing [[Reserves]] to have a possibility of choosing which [[Characters]] to make use of in particular gameplay situations.
+When differences between [[Characters]] exist before gameplay begins, this leads to [[Asymmetric Starting Conditions]]. If these are not equally powerful this can disrupt [[Player Balance]] but can also be seen as a way of providing [[Difficulty Levels]]. In [[Multiplayer Games]], having [[Characters]] in [[Teams]] where they have different [[Privileged Abilities]] allows [[Orthogonal Differentiation]] and lets players perform [[Team Combos]]. This also allows players to specialize in different [[Competence Areas]] regardless if [[Character Development]] exists or not, and gives opportunities of engaging in [[Team Strategy Identification]]. One specific case, used in [[Hattrick]], is to have [[Coaches]] as [[Characters]] also. However, the differences in abilities may cause [[Player Balance]] to be disrupted. Games with [[Teams]] of [[Characters]] where [[Team Elimination]] is possible can motivate [[Player Elimination]] as a consequence of such elimination. Use of [[Characters]] as members of [[Teams]] also raises the question of allowing [[Reserves]] to have a possibility of choosing which [[Characters]] to make use of in particular gameplay situations.
 For games using [[Character Sheets]], the [[Characters|Character]] information can be a type of [[Gameplay Statistics]] and this is more or less unavoidable in tabletop [[Roleplaying]] games. This can of course also occur whenever any information contained within [[Characters]] are stored so they can be accessed outside play sessions.
@@ Line 75: / Line 75: @@
 [[Agents]],
 [[Asymmetric Starting Conditions]],
 [[Diegetic Consistency]],
 [[Emotional Engrossment]],

@@ Line 24: / Line 24: @@
 Creating pre-defined [[Characters]] lets them fit within [[Alternative Realities]] in a way that can ensure [[Thematic Consistency]] and allows personalized and unique [[Avatars]] for all [[Characters]]. In games with [[Combat]] or [[Overcome]] goals between players (e.g. fighting games such as the [[Tekken series]]), pre-created [[Characters]] can also be extensively play-tested to ensure [[Player Balance]]. The use of pre-created [[Characters]] is common in games either where [[Character Development]] regarding gameplay is not a large part of game experience or where [[Characters]], and any [[Character Development]], is closely tied to a tightly controlled [[Narration Structures|Narration Structure]].
-Typical ways of letting players create [[Characters]] are based on [[Randomness]] or [[Budgeted Action Points]] ([[Dungeons & Dragons]] and [[GURPS]] illustrate these two approaches, although there are several choices also in the first example). These are in turn used to determine the various characteristics possible mentioned in the previous paragraph. [[Freedom of Choice]] through [[Initial Personalization]] or [[Character Development]] typically provides some level of [[Player-Created Characters]], but this may cause a problem of fitting or adjusting the [[Characters]] to have integral role in [[Narration Structures]]. This problem can be mitigated by the presence of [[Game Masters]] that can perform the necessary [[Negotiation]] to make the [[Characters]] suitable to the planned events in the game or modify the [[Narration Structures]] to fit them. [[Characters]] may also emerge from [[Units]] if these are individually given [[New Abilities]] since this means that they become differentiated by their [[Abilities]].
+Typical ways of letting players create [[Characters]] are based on [[Randomness]] or [[Budgeted Action Points]] ([[Dungeons & Dragons]] and [[GURPS]] illustrate these two approaches, although there are several choices also in the first example). These are in turn used to determine the various characteristics possible mentioned in the previous paragraph. [[Creative Control]] or [[Freedom of Choice]] through [[Initial Personalization]] or [[Character Development]] typically provides some level of [[Player-Created Characters]], but this may cause a problem of fitting or adjusting the [[Characters]] to have integral role in [[Narration Structures]]. This problem can be mitigated by the presence of [[Game Masters]] that can perform the necessary [[Negotiation]] to make the [[Characters]] suitable to the planned events in the game or modify the [[Narration Structures]] to fit them. [[Characters]] may also emerge from [[Units]] if these are individually given [[New Abilities]] since this means that they become differentiated by their [[Abilities]].
 It may seem somewhat paradoxical but the answer to the question of who controls the [[Characters]] after they have been created does not automatically have to be their creators. That [[Characters]] created by the game designers can be either [[Non-Player Characters]] controlled by [[Algorithmic Agents]] or [[Focus Loci]] for players is quite natural, as is the passive use of [[Characters]] mainly as a way to provide players with somebody to receive [[Quests]] from or to perform [[Trading]] with. But [[Player-Created Characters]] do not have to be directly controlled by those players either, the Sims created by players in the [[Sims series]] are semi-autonomous and can be left completely to their own devices (and if one has created several households the sims from other households are pure [[NPCs]] for any given game session).
@@ Line 112: / Line 112: @@
 ==== with [[Character Development]] and [[Freedom of Choice]] ====
 [[Player-Planned Development]]
 ==== with [[Enforced Agent Behavior]] ====