From time to time, the Wolfire blog throws out something particularly interesting. In this case, it’s a discourse about non-player characters … and how to make players form an emotional connection to them.

The Dev.Mag crew is rather divided on this matter, of course. While some of us are deep, concerned developers who want to form a meaningful bond between the players and their fictional cohorts, others are just sadistic meanies who quite enjoy leading Generic Party Member #16 into that deadly pit of spike traps. And hurting small animals.

Once you’re done checking on Wolfire, see our review on Judith for an example of what we believe to be good character bonding and storytelling.