Non-Playable 2024 is a radical reworking of an earlier Cab track to accompany in-game footage of the three members of Black Cab inside the Unreal Engine game development platform.
To rework the track we collaborated with Frankfurt electronic musician Shan (Victor Schan) and Lopazz (Stef), with the video developed over 9 months by London based Studio Asbo (Bora and Asli).
The three members of the band scanned their faces and meta-human versions were then refined and inserted inside an Unreal Engine world. Studio Asbo then developed the concept of the three ‘non-playable’ characters enduring different challenges using scripted game-play and multiple in-game camera angles; Andrew trying to escape an endless video game arcade, James trying (and failing) to avoid speeding cars, and Wes being chased by a legion of doppelganger Wes’s. The in-game world also features loads of ‘easter egg’ references to early Cab albums, artwork and lyrics.
About Unreal Engine
Unreal Engine is a popular and powerful real-time 3D creation platform developed by Epic Games and used for games such as Fortnite, Final Fantasy, Mortal Kombat and more. Originally created for developing video games, Unreal Engine is now used across various industries, including film, architecture, automotive, simulation, and virtual reality (VR) applications.
What’s a ‘Non-Playable’ character?
A non-playable character (or NPC) is a character in a video game that is not controlled by the player. Instead, NPCs are controlled by the game’s artificial intelligence (AI) or pre-programmed behaviours. They serve various roles, such as providing information, advancing the storyline, or simply populating the game world to make it feel more immersive. NPCs can range from shopkeepers and quest givers to enemies and bystanders, depending on the type of game.
In some contexts, especially in internet slang, “NPC” can also be used to refer to people who appear to lack independent thinking or creativity, though this usage is often playful or critical.
The single
The audio single drops on streaming services on Monday October 21st (and Bandcamp now).
About Studio Asbo
Formed in 2015, Studio Asbo is a London-based creative collective dedicated to transforming ideas into engaging audio-visual stories across films, events, and music videos. With a passion for experimentation and collaboration, their work extends beyond traditional media, exploring the boundaries of games and interactive experiences. By blending creativity with a sense of play, Studio Asbo aims to spark curiosity and invite people to connect through new perspectives.
Studio Asbo – Asli (left) and Bora.
About Black Cab
Australian band Black Cab is Andrew Coates and James Lee with drummer Wes Holland. Formed in 2004, Black Cab’s sound has ranged from psychedelic kraut rock to driving electronica, often drawing inspiration from Europe and American culture of the ’70’s and ’80’s. They have released six full length albums.
