Avatars in Analytical Gaming

This paper discusses the design and use of anthropomorphic computer characters as nonplayer characters (NPC's) within analytical games. These new environments allow avatars to play a central role in supporting training and education goals instead of playing the supporting cast role. This new `science' of gaming, driven by high-powered but inexpensive computers, dedicated graphics processors and realistic game engines, enables game developers to create learning and training opportunities on par with expensive real-world training scenarios. However, there needs to be care and attention placed on how avatars are represented and thus perceived. A taxonomy of non-verbal behavior is presented and its application to analytical gaming discussed.