Above you can see two entirely different creatures in Monster Hunter, the deviljho and the mosswine. The interaction between these two creatures in the game is also entirely different.

Deviljho is a nomadic monster, prone to wandering vast distances in search of prey. Its status as a super-predator allows it to overtake the territory of any monster that stands in its path. Because of the extreme amount of energy its body consumes, Deviljho is always in search of food sources. It is known to be cannibalistic, and is also prone to eating prey alive in order to waste as little time as possible in replenishing its energy. [3]

Mosswine are generally docile by nature, but will attack if provoked, whether by other monsters or hunters. They can prove deadly when a wyvern is present, because even getting hit by a wind effect will turn them hostile. They are mostly hunted for their mushroom-tracking abilities and their meat. [4]

This difference in player interaction can also very well be seen by the different designs of these creatures. Whereas deviljho is very big, has a very threatening energy, sharp teeth, big jaw and lots of spikes. Mosswine has a more round and softer design, which immediately comes off as less threatening. Mosswine also has brighter colors, like pink and green. Whereas deviljho has more neutral colors with some little red tones here and there.

Sources:

[1] https://youtu.be/Mmka_ILfF68 - All intros to the monsters in Monster Hunter

[2]https://www.polygon.com/monster-hunter-world-guide/2018/1/25/16928050/hud-icons-meaning-minimap-status-moves-palico-focus-hints-item-bar

[3] https://monsterhunter.fandom.com/wiki/Deviljho#Behavior

[4] https://monsterhunter.fandom.com/wiki/Mosswine#Behavior

Take these 2 different creatures from No Man's Sky as an example. Like Monster Hunter these creatures use a different visual language to convey the design and behavior. The left creature is very big and bulky, it has s row of sharp teeth and some spikes along the back, it also has neutral colors. This creature immediately gives off a scary and dangerous appearance. The creature on the right however, seems to be much more approachable. It has bright colors, it seems to be quite small, it has big eyes and it's position, head lower to the ground, seems to be very friendly and even playful.

Sources:

[1] https://youtu.be/nJ5lpeKBSow

[2] https://nomanssky.gamepedia.com/Species

Conclusions:

Interaction with creatures in games often need to be very clear from the beginning, with a few exceptions here and there.

The player needs to have an idea of how the creature would react to it, by looking at the creature's design and visual language.

There are a few things that stand out:

• Color

Brighter colors for example green are often used with somewhat more docile and friendly creatures. Whereas red and neutral colors are often used for somewhat aggressive creatures.

• Size

Bigger creatures are often assumed more threatening and dangerous whereas smaller creatures are more approachable and friendly.

• Visual language

Spikes, big teeth, sharp edges, pointy things are often used for creatures that are dangerous whereas softer, rounder shapes are used for creatures with a more friendly design.

When designing either of these type of these creatures: hostile, neutral or friendly, it can be very useful to keep these things in mind and use them to create a clear design for the player.

When designing a creature you have to keep player interaction in mind. Some games have certain parts of the creature that you can use, gather, shoot off etc. Like Horizon Zero Dawn. When designing a creature where you can use a certain part of it as a player, it can be handy to exaggerate this part, with color, size or material, so that this part stands out. And that this part is directly noticed by the player.

Sources:

[1] https://horizon.fandom.com/wiki/Charger

Subnautica is an open world survival action-adventure video game.

You can collect resources from the different creatures in the game. Each creature reacts differently to the player. Some friendly others not so much. They also add to the plot of the game.

Sources:

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAw666gPZ4Q&ab_channel=eXernox - Creature interactions