Starsand Island is a life simulation game that offers players many things to do: farming, raising animals, decorating, crafting, and investigating the mysterious "heart of the island." However, one of Starsand Island's key elements is its relationship system, which allows players to befriend—and perhaps even fall in love with—a large cast of dynamic and lovable NPCs. These NPCs are not just static figures who await player input, but have lives, habits, opinions, and relationships of their own.
The Best War Games spoke with Starsand Island technical producer Golton Gao about the game's in-depth relationship system. He discussed how NPCs interact with one another, the many ways in which players can deepen their relationships with the island's residents, and how the team took inspiration from The Sims when developing NPC interactions with both the player and each other. Gao also revealed who his personal favorite NPC is in Starsand Island, and provided tips for players hoping to access hidden scenes and animations. This transcript has been edited for clarity and brevity.
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The Sims Inspired A Deep And Reactive Relationship System
The Best War Games: How did you develop the extremely reactive relationship system in Starsand Island, where befriendable / romanceable NPCs react dynamically to player habits?
This system stems from the integration of macro world-building and micro-character design. Each character's personality and traits are shaped by their environment, which in turn manifests through their behavioral logic and dialogue.
During early development, we conducted extensive research on crafting a vibrant, living world; examining the island's essence; its inhabitants' way of life; and the factors fostering their serene, cooperative, and contented nature. To reinforce authenticity and immersion, we meticulously designed NPC reactions based on player actions while staying true to each character's established traits. Every NPC processes environmental cues and player behavior signals to perceive in-world interactions: the foundation of this system. Upon detecting events, NPCs evaluate their interest level and priority to determine whether and how to respond, delivering contextually appropriate performances to players.
The Best War Games: How did The Sims inspire the relationship-building system in Starsand Island?
As longtime enthusiasts of The Sims, we regard it as the benchmark in life simulation games. Its NPCs stand out for their vivid characterization and emergent behaviors. Drawing inspiration from The Sims and our own creative insights, we established several core principles for NPC design:
Multi-Region Decision-Making Inspired by the Human Brain: Each NPC continuously processes parallel analyses and decisions—perceiving the external world, performing routine behaviors, fulfilling internal needs, and pursuing long-term goals.
Everything is Interactable: All actions are abstracted into interactions, providing a unified execution framework for NPC decision-making.
Dynamic Interaction Adaptability: Every interaction dynamically adjusts based on relationship depth, environmental context, time, and other variables.
These principles laid a robust foundation for our NPC relationship system, ensuring realism and emergent complexity.
The Best War Games: Can you talk a little bit more about how romance specifically will work - will players be able to marry NPCs, start a family with them, etc.?
In the game, there is no explicit concept of marriage. Currently, players can establish a romantic or close friendship relationship with NPCs, which eventually allows them to invite the NPC to live together. The game offers a high degree of freedom, and if players wish to celebrate, they can invite other players to help decorate the room and set off fireworks.
NPC Interactions Change As Relationships Deepen
The Best War Games: What can we expect from interactions between NPCs in Starsand Island - can they also befriend and talk to each other?
From the initial design phase, we established a core principle of realism. Our goal was to create an immersive experience that closely mirrors real-life interactions. Therefore, when designing the behaviors and schedules of NPCs (and even small animals), we carefully considered their individual personalities and relationships.
Due to performance constraints, we focused on highlighting key interactions that reinforce their character traits and enhance the game's atmosphere. For example, NPCs greet each other and engage in conversation. Those who enjoy animals may pet or feed them, while gaming enthusiasts might invite each other to play at the arcade.
The Best War Games: What are some ways that player-NPC interactions will change as the player gets to know the NPCs better?
Our goal is to create a world that feels as authentic as possible, so we’ve drawn inspiration from real-world relationship dynamics. As players deepen their bonds with NPCs, two key changes will occur in their interactions. First, existing interactions will become more meaningful. For example, NPCs will address the player with increasingly familiar and affectionate terms, and players may even assign endearing nicknames to NPCs. Second, players will unlock new and diverse interactions. These include activities like boating on the lake, riding motorcycles together, or visiting NPCs’ private spaces.
Once a relationship is established, players can even invite NPCs to live with them. Notably, as relationships progress, NPCs may initiate certain actions, such as writing love letters, giving gifts, or inviting players to share special moments like watching fireworks or admiring the moon.
The Best War Games: What are some of the activities that players and NPCs can do when they spend time together - can they farm together, craft together, play with animals together, things like that?
We've put significant effort into designing NPC behaviors after establishing relationships, aiming to simulate an ideal partner dynamic in real life. Once a relationship is confirmed, the NPC's schedule will adapt accordingly. Our game focuses on two key dimensions to portray shared experiences: 1. Working Together and 2. Enjoying Together.
1. Working Together: NPCs will actively assist players in daily tasks. For example, when tending crops, NPCs may help water plants or remove pests. If the player owns a ranch, NPCs at home might clean rabbit pens or collect wool, fostering a sense of shared progress toward a better life.
2. Enjoying Together: We strive to recreate the warmth of companionship in real life. NPCs may sit with players to watch TV, join them in relaxing at hot springs, or engage in casual conversation.
Even without a confirmed relationship, players can invite NPCs for activities like driving around, picnicking in meadows, or having drinks by the beach. However, responses vary based on personality; while enthusiastic NPCs may agree, reserved or shy ones might decline if the relationship isn't close enough.
Players Can Meet Many Dynamic NPCs In Starsand Island - And Even Uncover Some Secrets
The Best War Games: You mentioned secret events and hidden animations. What tips can you give to players for discovering these secrets?
We've designed the island as a vibrant, interconnected community where neighbors support each other and celebrate daily life. Simply engage with island residents naturally, as you would in real life, to uncover unexpected surprises. For those who prefer a more reserved approach, friendly NPCs will proactively reach out to guide you through heartwarming interactions.
The Best War Games: What advice would you give to Starsand Island players looking to build good relationships with the characters?
From the beginning of NPC design, our goal was to ensure every player feels valued and learns the capacity to love in real life. We tailored interactions to accommodate diverse playstyles, fostering a sense of warmth and care. Each NPC embodies a distinct personality, reflecting varied ideals of life, yet all share a common thread of kindness. We encourage players to actively engage with different NPCs to discover resonant companions. Every character has unique stories, behaviors, and interactions that evolve as relationships deepen, unlocking new events to sustain a fresh and engaging romantic experience.
The Best War Games: Who are your favorite NPCs in Starsand Island and why?
My favorite NPC is Solara. She is the island's own ray of sunshine, radiating positivity and warmth to everyone she meets. The adorable cats and dogs on the island also thrive under her care and feeding. Players will encounter her early in the storyline, and she will actively assist them in overcoming various challenges. As the relationship deepens, you will gradually discover her inner vulnerability and notice that she always shines her light on others while silently bearing her own burdens. The subsequent plot details remain a secret, and players are encouraged to explore them in the game.
The Best War Games: Is there anything else you'd like to tell The Best War Games's readers about the Starsand Island relationship/friendship system?
We hope that players can experience their ideal life on Starsand Island, feel love, and learn to love others more deeply in real life.
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