A new trend of simulation-like streamers is going viral on TikTok Live. Creators on the social media platform are gaining much attention for their imitation of non-playable characters (NPCs), which are “the characters in video games that have been pre-programmed and cannot be controlled by players.” The trend is believed to have started from TikTok user @natuecoco, who has an impressive following of 1.5M. PinkyDoll is one creator who has hopped on the trend; she often goes on TikTok Live with thousands of viewers watching her NPC streaming performances that contain an “eerily lifeless repetition” and “glitching words.” These livestreams even earn her money, from users on Live who send PinkyDoll “gifts” which are virtual coins users can eventually cash out. YPulse research shows that Gen Z uses TikTok more than any other social media platform, so it’s likely that this young gen has seen this trend on their FYP. (Mashable)
