**Virtual Humans**
*I think what Peter Plantec and Norman Badler are calling “virtual humans” is what I am calling “virtual robots”. Plantec and Badler insist that virtual humans have some element of autonomy (or automation), and therefore human-inhabited avatars would not be virtual humans. In research for my Master dissertation, over some years, I do not recall coming across any definitive definition for “virtual humans” to this effect. (Citations welcome!) In fact, there is a large body of academic literature referring to “digital humans” as simple, basic 3D models. I use the term “robot” specifically to emphasize the autonomy or automation.*
Pre-NPC Period
*Norman Badler refers to “Semi-Automated Forces” as “Pre NPC military terminology”. This is something I am unfamiliar with, but look forward to learning more about. (Citations welcome!)*
NPC Period
*Clearly, non-player characters (non-playable characters) are associated with games, inside of games. I believe there has been no comprehensive history of NPC written yet. (Citations welcome!)*
Post-NPC Period
*If NPC are defined as being inside games, the Post-NPC Period might be considered the use of automated virtual humans outside of what is generally considered to be games. I could see a large buffer zone, transition, or overlap with “serious games” extending from virtual world to real world.*