On linux, you can do what you wish. You can use a desktop environment with a GUI software center that pops up a notification that prompts you to install updates. Or update by opening the software center and selecting the ones you want. Or use the terminal commands. Or write an alias so you can type “update” and have it execute all your commands in the right order. Or script it to run silently in the background on an automated schedule.
And you can use your computer during updates, there’s no mandatory update during shutdown/boot.
I’d hate being an NPC in the games I play. Especially since fiery deaths are often a loophole to the “no killing NPCs” rule.