How to Make AI NPCs for a Game with AI - Easy Tutorial

In our latest livestream, we explored how to add AI-powered NPCs (Non-Player Characters) to a city simulator game—a method that also works perfectly for RPGs or any interactive gaming experience.

Whether you're vibe coding bustling city life or immersive fantasy quests, AI NPCs can significantly enrich player interactions.

This blog will guide you step-by-step on how to incorporate engaging, conversational NPCs into your game using Rosebud AI.

Quick Overview

Here's what we'll cover:

• Starting with an existing game project.
• Adding AI chat functionality to NPCs.
• Ensuring NPCs respond contextually.
• Using the Multifile Beta for smoother integration.
• Common troubleshooting tips.

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Step 1: Start with Your Game Project

We kick things off by opening a city simulator created with Rosebud.

Initially, NPCs are wandering around without interaction capabilities.

You can remix this project here or you can create your own game just by prompting.

Step 2: Adding the AI Chat Feature

To enable your NPCs to chat:

• Use a prompt like: I want the NPCs to talk using AI

• Or simply: Use Chat Manager to give dialogues to the NPCs ("Chat Manager" is Rosebud’s built-in AI dialogue system.)

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Rosebud then quickly integrates chat features, allowing NPCs to speak contextually.

Step 3: Making NPCs Responsive and Context-Aware

To create a realistic experience, specify details:

• Make NPCs speak only when I'm near them.
• Add dialogue constraints like NPC dialogue within 10 units.
• For clearer visibility, try: Use a billboard approach for speech bubbles. (This ensures text faces players from every angle.)

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Step 4: Implementing Player Interaction

Next, we introduced player interaction:

• Add an input method for players to chat by saying: I want a text input on the screen.
• Clarify further: NPCs should respond to my messages, not speak randomly.

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During our session, we also tested troubleshooting prompts like:

• Characters aren’t responding.
• Only respond when spoken to.
• If stuck, instruct Rosie: Break this task into smaller steps.

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Using Rosebud Multifile Beta

If you also want to test another path, you should give our Multifile Beta template a try.

This option includes built-in support for AI NPCs from scratch, streamlining the setup process considerably:

• Begin a fresh project with Multifile Beta.
• AI integration works right away, reducing manual adjustments.

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Common Troubleshooting

Occasionally, we faced these challenges:

• NPCs not responding correctly: The solution was to reset to a previous stable version or tell Rosie clearly: Characters should only respond when spoken to.

• Chat bubbles not showing: The solution was to use prompts like Display NPC dialogue clearly above their heads. Or if stuck, temporarily switch to an HTML-based chat approach.

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Final Thoughts

By following these steps, we successfully created engaging AI NPCs, significantly enhancing gameplay immersion.

Rosebud AI makes complex tasks straightforward, whether you're working on city simulations, RPGs, or your unique games.

Dive into Rosebud and start transforming your game with interactive, conversational AI characters today!

And if you have any doubt, join our Discord so our community can help you.