Chatter among NPCs (non-playable characters) in video games is not a new concept. It is a technique used by game developers to make the game world feel alive and immersive. Insomniac Games’ Spider-Man 2 is no exception. The game is filled with phone calls, awkward first dates, chatty mascots, and more, all creating a bustling and vibrant urban environment for players to explore.
One particular moment in the game involves two nannies engaged in a conversation on a sunny New York street. The first nanny expresses her difficulties in her new job, feeling out of her depth. The experienced nanny offers some advice, emphasizing the importance of keeping the baby alive and clean. She even suggests using petroleum jelly during diaper changes. However, the first nanny misunderstands and becomes horrified, thinking they are putting gasoline on the babies. This comedic and relatable exchange captures the attention of players and adds a touch of humor to the overall gameplay experience.
This small moment between two nameless characters could easily be overlooked in favor of Spider-Man’s more pressing adventures. However, in a world without social media platforms like TikTok, the conversation may never have surfaced for many players. TikTok, with its viral nature, allows such clips to spread beyond the gaming community and reach a wider non-gamer audience.
Interestingly, Krizia Bajos, the voice actor behind the gasoline-obsessed nanny, discovered the clip’s popularity on TikTok when one of her voice acting students brought it to her attention. Another student even streamed themselves searching for her character in-game on Twitch. Bajos admits that she had mostly forgotten about the scene, which was recorded at least a year ago. She attributes the clip’s success to Insomniac Games’ attention to detail and dedication to creating a rich and immersive gaming experience that goes beyond the main storyline.
For those curious about the outcome of the scene, the gasoline misunderstanding is eventually resolved. The experienced nanny frantically explains to Bajos’ character the difference between gasoline and petroleum jelly, urging her not to use gas or coconut oil on a baby’s diaper area. The scene stands out among other NPC moments in the game because it strikes a perfect balance between hilariously deranged and believably organic dialogue. It feels like something a content creator with a dark sense of humor would come up with, yet it seamlessly blends into the larger narrative of the game.
The scene gained attention not only from players but also from industry professionals. On the social media platform X, developers expressed their admiration for the scene’s writing and execution. Some wondered if the dialogue was scripted or if improvisation was involved during the voice recording sessions. Developers like Mike Bithell, known for their work on games like John Wick Hex, commended Insomniac Games for their impressive attention to detail and the challenges that come with coordinating improvisation in the voice acting process.
In conclusion, the inclusion of chatty NPCs and lively conversations in video games like Spider-Man 2 adds depth and realism to the virtual world. Moments like the nanny discussion about gasoline versus petroleum jelly become memorable and generate buzz beyond the gaming community, thanks to platforms like TikTok. The attention to detail and dedication of game developers in creating immersive experiences contribute to the overall success and popularity of games like Spider-Man 2.
