Is the wolf angry or... just hungry?

ABSTRACT

In this paper we will discuss different types of control over synthetic characters in interactive stories. We will argue that, to attain a deeper and more engaging control, in certain conditions, users should be able to inspect, disclose, and modify the characters minds. To illustrate this idea, we will present a collaborative virtual environment called {\it Teatrix}, designed for children to build their own stories - fairy tales. In {\it Teatrix}, virtual actors play roles (such as: villain, hero, etc.) and may be controlled either by children or by the system. {\it Teatrix} allows children to go into the minds of the characters through a special tool named {\it “Hot Seating”}. {\it Teatrix} is already in use by children ages between 7 and 9 in the context of a Computer integrated Classroom (CiC) scenario installed in a school. The initial evaluations show that the use of the “Hot Seatin” tool is a fundamental element for children to feel in control of their characters and thus stay in character for their virtual performances.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.1 Multimedia Information Systems
          Subjects: Artificial, augmented, and virtual realities

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
      I.2.0 General
          Subjects: Cognitive simulation
  I.3 COMPUTER GRAPHICS
      I.3.7 Three-Dimensional Graphics and Realism
          Subjects: Virtual reality

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors, Performance, Theory

Keywords:
believability, life-like qualities, synthetic agents