Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Avatars are at the Center of Experience in a Virtual Environment
Relative Scale
How big/small am I?
Role to Play
Pirate or princess,
fireman or fairy?
Communication
Who in the world
am I going to chat
with today?
You
Avatar Shell
Gender and
Movement
Subjective
Experience
What is my
avatar
experiencing?
Location
Spatial
Awareness
Where am I
standing now?
Social and
Virtual Visibility
Avatar silhouettes (clockwise order from the top right):
Linden Labs - Female Centaur (created by Erin Ta lamasca - Hoof It!);
Linden Labs Musician;
Linden Labs Dragonet;
Flower Fairy (created by June Dion - Bare Rose)
FIGURE 12.1
Diagram showing the relationship of the avatar to the user in a virtual world. The avatar creates a
layered framework that encompasses a range of experience including relative scale observation, communication, spatial
awareness, subjective experience, and role playing.
