What are companion characters?
Companions are Non-Player Characters (NPCs) that serve a role in support or assistance to the player in a videogame. From Tails to Tifa, companions have emerged in nearly every genre throughout the modern era of videogaming.
What this site examines.
Throughout the diverse collection of modern video games, companions
have maintained a presence that originates from the reflection of
human culture, and are further justified by serving structural purposes.
Across the wide spectrum of video game types, companions have proved
time and time again that they can serve important ludological and
narratological functions which enhance the gamers experience.
This website breaks down the types of companion characters that have
emerged throughout videogame history, and justifies their existence and
function.
Ludology vs. Narratology
Throughout this database you will hear us refer to the "ludological" and
"narratological" functions of the companion characters. Here is a brief
overview of Ludology vs. Narratology.
Ludology examines videogames as being entirely game-like; as
and extension of sports and board games. Ludology is concerned with objectives
rules, playability, interface, etc. Narratology sees videogames as
connected to film, literature and other forms of narrative media. It is concerned
with story, character, fiction, etc.
Here is more on
the discussion of narratology vs. ludology.