I was thinking about gaming. Gaming as an art form, if you will indulge me. the way we play games; interacting with NPC's and fellow players, completing an objective, filling a bank or status bar, creating a form or avatar through which we identify ourselves to others in the game: All of these things represent a blending of creative, destructive, cooperative and competitive elements. This is the way gaming has become these days, regardless of gimmicks and game play, buried stories for the daring, and untold loot for the brave, this is the model upon which all major commercial games are being based. And I have to tell you I am getting sick of it. Just my personal feeling; some like the way things are and that's just fine. But what if a knew element could be added to the cultural dogma of games? Now before you jump to conclusions [I know you read the title] take a moment to imagine: You load into the game (any game) you create your Avatar to represent you in this world, whatever that may be; You link up with friends to complete an objective- to cooperate- you walk up to an NPC only, it's not really an NPC, it's a dedicated server Player Character with an established backstory and persona, who is hired to immerse themselves in this world, and provide a next level gaming experience for the Players, Not only do they provide an organic and near completely personalized player experience but the players can also participate in scheduled events and activities along side them with Strong abilities and dramatic gaming experience. Imagine; You are exploring the moonlit ruins of an ancient civilization untouched and unexplored by anyone, no NPC no player, no mob; and the form of a divine goddess speaks to you. You could ask it whatever you want, and the LIVING character would respond with mystical and cryptic wisdom of unfathomable ages! you would virtually developing a relationship in-game with a goddess. This is just a concept, but the idea of Living player characters LPC's, deserves exploring; if only for a concept piece... What do you think?