This workshop will focus on Characters can be described as Playful. We focus on narrative characters that can be part of a story or standalone characters and have history, goals, rich complex personality, and attitudes. The workshop will borrow from theatre improvisation and Live Action Role-Playing games (LARPs) to define playful virtual characters and situate the context for a rich interaction about what it means to develop such narrative and personality for rich playful characters.
The workshop will take on an activity-based approach, where group exercises and experiences are emphasized. We intend to start with two 1.5 hour long sessions: engaging the audience in an improv exercise based on the theatre of the oppressed forum-theatre, and on a LARP-based activity. We will follow these activities with short talks from participants and then a panel.
This workshop will span many topics pertaining to the development, use and our perceptions of playful virtual characters inhabiting virtual environments, public virtual spaces, and entertainment products.
We envision the workshop to follow the following structure:
This full-day workshop will be held on Tuesday, August 26th, at the conference venue.