Video Game Character Tropes Bingo

How to run this activity

Facilitator guidance

Check the board against your chosen game or gameplay footage, including how often each cue is likely to occur. Aim for a single line of five rather than a full card, and make sure this is realistically achievable. Replace unlikely cues and offer suitable substitutes.

Safety and inclusion

Use inclusive language and do not pressure players to disclose private information. Use original prompts and visuals, and check that your chosen media is suitable and that you have permission or an appropriate licence to use it. Do not use franchise logos, protected artwork, film stills or reproduced lyrics.

Full prompt list

1. A heroic character discovers a weakness
2. A sidekick knows the answer
3. A rival offers unexpected help
4. A mysterious shopkeeper appears
5. A protagonist loses their equipment
6. A comic relief character becomes useful
7. A villain delivers a long speech
8. A silent character communicates cleverly
9. A character has an unusual companion
10. An expert explains an obvious mechanic
11. A hero starts with no memory
12. A non-player character gives vague directions
13. A boss boasts before battle
14. A character gets an elaborate upgrade
15. A merchant recognises the player
16. A mentor disappears mysteriously
17. A team member changes sides
18. An antagonist has a sympathetic motive
19. A character uses an unlikely weapon
20. A companion reacts to bad choices
21. A guard repeats a standard warning
22. A character enters a new form
23. A background character becomes important
24. A hero celebrates a hard-won victory

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