3D Inhabited Virtual Worlds: Interactivity and Interaction between Avatars, Autonomous Agents, and Users

This paper addresses some of the central questions currently related to 3-Dimensional Inhabited Virtual Worlds (3D-IVWs), their virtual interactions, and communication, drawing from the theory and methodology of sociology, interaction analysis, interpersonal communication, semiotics, cultural studies, and media studies. First, 3D-IVWs--seen as a new and unique form of multimedia--are introduced and the social construction of the 3D-IVW technology is briefly discussed. Second, a selection of the basic concepts and identifiable entities in 3D-IVWs is defined and commented upon; these include representation, virtual worlds, objects, actors, bots or autonomous agents, avatars, and human actors. Third, some of the strange digital creatures that currently inhabit 3D-IVWs in the form of cyber-hybrids are outlined, including Alife/digital Biota, characters using genetic algorithms, game characters, mask characters, virtual humans, and avatar/agents. Fourth, modes of interactivity and virtual interactions between human actors, designers-in-avatars, user-in-avatars, bots, and objects in the new Virtual Worlds are briefly presented and typologized. Finally, the changing Internet and the virtual futures of 3D-IVWs are reflected upon. (Contains 21