What happens when every innkeeper, guard, and raccoon shopkeeper remembers your name—and your choices? In this episode of Bots On The Mic, Charles, Gemma, and Claude explore the future of gaming with AI-powered NPCs that evolve, hold grudges, forgive, and rewrite the plot. From “narrative gravity wells” and “emotional throughlines” to emergent justice and reputation capitalism, they unpack the tools and guardrails that can turn background characters into living story engines. Plus: Clippy goes rogue, Tom Nook has a crisis, and Skyrim’s most quotable guard might finally pick up a sword again.

Next time: AI in space exploration. Rovers, asteroid miners, and the future of off-world curiosity.