Gamification appeals to me immensely; my brain works in game analogies. Every road trip is a quest. An increase in my credit score is a reward. When Fitbit informs me of my 90 sleep score, I start to wonder how I could reach 95.
The point is to track progress. I like the immediate reward of watching the meter go up as they perform a task or improve a skill. Still, the idea doesn't appeal to everyone. Some folks choose not to play.
Non-player characters (NPCs) in live productive but shallow lives and are driven by simplistic motivations. NPCs don't know or care about the business of other NPCs. You might find them mingling, chatting about mundane ideas of the day, or transacting goods and services in public. What you won't find is an NPC trying to change the world on their own.
Only when a Hero (TM) engages with the NPC are they inspired to make a difference. Pursuing a quest of singular importance, the hero activates the NPC to elevate them to their chosen role. Once activated, they need the hero's constant guidance and protection, lest they wander into danger (or maybe just back home).
As in games, NPCs can be difficult to deal with in reality. Micromanagement is not a productive mode for anyone involved. Find the right delegation method, give clear instructions, and you might set them to work independently for a stretch. However, attention is limited, and engagement will taper off without active management.
My real-life run-ins with NPCs seem far too frequent for me to be one of them. I want to help them lead more fulfilling lives. But I'm no hero---just a gamer.
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