Modern Warfare 2 Seizes NPC Live Stream Trend
In recent times, NPC live streams have increasingly gained popularity on digital platforms, particularly TikTok. Even Modern Warfare 2 has decided to seize the trend with their introduction of a new weapon bundle.
Understanding the Trend
To understand social media’s latest trend, one must understand video game NPCs or non-playable characters. These characters provide scripted dialogue to help a virtual world feel lived in, and their appeal varies with each new release. For instance, a veteran in the industry recently offered his expertise about the unusual facial expressions of Starfield’s NPCs.
In these streams, live streamers mimic video game NPCs through repetitive actions and dialogue. The trend has seen streaming personalities like Pinkydoll rise in popularity, as she spent hours on camera repeating phrases such as 'ice cream so good' or 'gang gang.'
A New Addition to Modern Warfare 2
Activision has taken a nod to this trend during Season 5 of Modern Warfare 2 with the introduction of Battle Buddy, a virtual assistant that doubles as a mini-announcer during Warzone and Modern Warfare 2 matches. The assistant comes equipped with various voice types, the latest being a nod to NPC streamers.
Modern Warfare 2 players were taken aback by the new NPC bundle launched on September 12 when a streamer inquired about it. The new bundle, priced at 1600-COD points, includes a Battle Buddy that repeats lines like 'Let’s go kill yeah yeah,' and 'Ooh battlesuit time gang gang.' The addition drew a combination of horror and interest from the Modern Warfare 2 community.
In reaction to the new NPC bundle, several Modern Warfare 2 players jokingly stated their refusal to purchase it, mainly because it didn’t include 'glizzy overdrive.' This reference pertains to a social media content creator known for live streaming himself consuming hot dogs in an overly sexual manner when viewers donate using a hot dog emoji.
One such commenter, identified as WhosImmortal, posted 'No glizzy overdrive, no purchase from me.' Another user partially in earnest suggested that NPC streamer Pinkydoll should earn royalty payments, commenting 'They better be paying her.' Despite the majority consensus, a third commenter praised the addition saying, 'Not going to lie, I kind of love this.'
With this new addition to its store bundles, Modern Warfare 2 takes its place among the oddest updates in the game’s history. However, it seems to align with Activison’s past focus on tapping into pop culture crossovers.
