Design Considerations for Virtual Self-Representation in Educational Games

Virtual self-representations, commonly known as avatars, play a critical and often underexplored role in the design and effectiveness of educational games. This article explores various dimensions of avatar design and their impact on educational game outcomes. We examine how an avatar’s voice can influence player identification, how certain colors can distract from educational material, and how the presence of a digital role model of a similar ethnic background and gender can help drive interaction. In addition, this article addresses scenarios where avatar identification might be less desirable. Specifically, when players struggle, our data suggest that abstract avatars might be more beneficial than humanoid avatars. These insights can help lead to the design of more effective educational games.