Aliens versus Humans: Do avatars make a difference in how we play the game?

Chris Christou, Despina Michael

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

An immersive first-person 3D computer game was designed and developed to investigate if the visual characteristics of a player's avatar influences their behavior. Two types of gender-matched biped avatar were used: Normal looking Humanoids and tougher looking Aliens. In the game, players had to block incoming projectiles fired from two canons with their hands. The number of times the players were hit as well as a measure of how hard they hit the projectiles was recorded. Results show differences in these measures dependent on the type of avatar used, in line with previous findings whereby people appear to be influenced by the perceived characteristics of their digital representation.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2014 6th International Conference on Games and Virtual Worlds for Serious Applications, VS-GAMES 2014
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781479940561
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 16 Jan 2014
Event6th International Conference on Virtual Worlds and Games for Serious Applications, VS-Games 2014 - Msida, Malta
Duration: 9 Sept 201412 Sept 2014

Other

Other6th International Conference on Virtual Worlds and Games for Serious Applications, VS-Games 2014
Country/TerritoryMalta
CityMsida
Period9/09/1412/09/14

Keywords

  • avatar
  • body ownership
  • first-person computer game
  • immersive VR
  • Proteus Effect
  • self-perception
  • virtual reality

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