Avatars - Revision history

Staffan Björk at 18:14, 9 August 2016

2016-08-09T18:14:08Z

Staffan Björk at 08:02, 31 July 2015

2015-07-31T08:02:09Z

Staffan Björk at 19:19, 29 July 2015

2015-07-29T19:19:01Z

Staffan Björk at 18:57, 12 September 2014

2014-09-12T18:57:44Z

Staffan Björk at 18:26, 7 September 2014

2014-09-07T18:26:36Z

Staffan Björk at 07:36, 30 July 2014

2014-07-30T07:36:45Z

Staffan Björk at 18:38, 18 July 2014

2014-07-18T18:38:07Z

Staffan Björk at 19:09, 13 July 2014

2014-07-13T19:09:11Z

Staffan Björk at 18:49, 13 July 2014

2014-07-13T18:49:05Z

Staffan Björk at 09:22, 26 January 2012

2012-01-26T09:22:03Z

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 Many games start with a [[Limited Set of Actions]] available through the [[Avatars]] and then expanding this through [[New Abilities]] as gameplay progresses. By doing this, as is done for example in the [[Super Mario|Super Mario series]] and [[The Legend of Zelda series]], the game can provide a [[Challenging Gameplay]] in the beginning and a [[Smooth Learning Curves]] as the game commences. Note that [[New Abilities]] or [[Improved Abilities]] can be given either to [[Avatars]] or [[Characters]]; the abilities are linked to [[Avatars]] when the abilities are only observable through actions in the [[Game Worlds|Game World]] or there are no observable abstract representations of [[Characters]] behind the [[Avatars]]. These [[New Abilities]] provide ways of having [[Character Development]] even in games that do not have explicit [[Characters]]. Another option to providing [[New Abilities]] to [[Avatars]] is through diegetically facilitated them through [[Location-Fixed Abilities]] such as [[Controllers]], [[Installations]], [[Tools]], or [[Vehicles]]. [[Game Items]] such as [[Weapons]] can provide both [[New Abilities|New]] and [[Improved Abilities]] while [[Armor]] can protected against [[Damage]]. Further, the game design can support the [[Predetermined Story Structures]] by limiting access to game areas until various [[Privileged Abilities]], or [[Privileged Movement]] to gain entry to [[Inaccessible Areas]], have been acquired.
-Linking the success or failure of the gameplay to [[Avatars]] can be done in many ways. [[Race]], [[Traverse]], [[Deliver]], [[Herd]], and [[Contact]] goals naturally depend on the [[Avatars]] movement if their positions are used to determine if the end conditions have been reached. [[Game World Exploration]] can likewise be used if the game uses the [[Avatars]]' modes of perception to judge what has been found. The use of [[Damage]] (and by extension [[Eliminate]]) due to [[Combat]] or [[Traps]] is a very common way to make [[Avatars]] vulnerable and players' succeed linked to them, but [[Ability Losses]] (including [[Privileged Abilities]]), or losses of [[Scores|Score]] points or [[Tools]] are other possibilities.  Although these introduce negative possibilities for the players, once these vulnerabilities have been established they allow for the goals of [[Evade]] and [[Stealth]] to be linked to the [[Avatars]]. In general, any type of [[Penalties]] that can be avoided through [[Avatars|Avatar]] [[Movement]] leads to players having [[Evade]] goals. More specific goals that can be introduced in this way, especially when combined with [[Multiplayer Games]] and common [[Eliminate]] goals are [[King of the Hill]] and [[Last Man Standing]]. The death or [[Eliminate|Elimination]] of [[Avatars]] typically either signifies the end of the game (if [[Permadeath]] is used), [[Downtime]] before the next round begins or other types of [[Death Consequences]], or the loss of one of the [[Lives]] available (and in the last case requires [[Spawning]] or the activation of a new [[Avatars|Avatar]]). This makes the [[Survive]] goal an integral part of many games using [[Avatars]].
+Linking the success or failure of the gameplay to [[Avatars]] can be done in many ways. [[Race]], [[Traverse]], [[Deliver]], [[Herd]], and [[Connection]] goals naturally depend on the [[Avatars]] movement if their positions are used to determine if the end conditions have been reached. [[Game World Exploration]] can likewise be used if the game uses the [[Avatars]]' modes of perception to judge what has been found. The use of [[Damage]] (and by extension [[Eliminate]]) due to [[Combat]] or [[Traps]] is a very common way to make [[Avatars]] vulnerable and players' succeed linked to them, but [[Ability Losses]] (including [[Privileged Abilities]]), or losses of [[Scores|Score]] points or [[Tools]] are other possibilities.  Although these introduce negative possibilities for the players, once these vulnerabilities have been established they allow for the goals of [[Evade]] and [[Stealth]] to be linked to the [[Avatars]]. In general, any type of [[Penalties]] that can be avoided through [[Avatars|Avatar]] [[Movement]] leads to players having [[Evade]] goals. More specific goals that can be introduced in this way, especially when combined with [[Multiplayer Games]] and common [[Eliminate]] goals are [[King of the Hill]] and [[Last Man Standing]]. The death or [[Eliminate|Elimination]] of [[Avatars]] typically either signifies the end of the game (if [[Permadeath]] is used), [[Downtime]] before the next round begins or other types of [[Death Consequences]], or the loss of one of the [[Lives]] available (and in the last case requires [[Spawning]] or the activation of a new [[Avatars|Avatar]]). This makes the [[Survive]] goal an integral part of many games using [[Avatars]].
 Besides these two necessary conditions, the [[Avatars]] relation to its surroundings and other diegetic persons are fundamental in how they are perceived. The use of [[Traps]], [[Environmental Effects]], [[Inaccessible Areas]], [[Obstacles]], [[Diegetically Outstanding Features]], and [[Safe Havens]] not only help define the [[Game Worlds]] but also the [[Avatars]] through how they affect them. [[Diegetically Tangible Game Items]] can serve many of these purposes while also having the functionality of various types of [[Game Items]]. That game elements in [[Game Worlds]] can help define [[Avatars]] becomes especially true if there are many types of playable [[Avatars]] or the [[Avatars]] are affected differently than [[Enemies]] and other [[Agents]], e.g. through having different rules concerning [[Line of Sight]]. Reversely, if [[Avatars]] block [[Line of Sight]] or not when this pattern is used affects the [[Avatars]] relation to the [[Game Worlds|Game World]]. [[Automated Responses]], actions initiated by the [[Avatars]] themselves without player interference, are ways to inform players about possible actions (e.g. by the [[Avatars]] glancing at them or commenting them) or possible dangers (e.g. how [[Avatars]] in [[Assassin's Creed 2]] and [[Prince of Persia]] make animations of regaining their balance after nearly falling of ledges when players have moved them to close).

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 When [[Avatars|Avatars']] fate are linked to how well players complete the gameplay, this can provide [[Emotional Engrossment]] but this can also be done through supporting players in having sympathies towards the [[Avatars]]. This can be achieved diegetically through a design so that the [[Avatars]] have a appealing personality or appearance, have been mistreated, or have abilities players would like to have. However, [[Avatars]] do not usually have strongly developed personalities as this can prevent the players from interpreting what they want into the [[Avatars|Avatar's]] actions. Further, if the [[Avatar]] can initiate actions on its own, e.g. in the form of [[Cutscenes]], this can lessens the players' [[Freedom of Choice]] and may destroy an [[Illusion of Influence]] as well as their [[Emotional Engrossment]] directed towards other objects or players in the Game World.
-[[Avatar Personalization]] is the ability to change [[Avatars]]' appearance, which although it does not direct affect gameplay can be important. While [[Avatars]] names are not part of their diegetic appearance, [[Naming]] can be seen as a variant of this personalization since it changes how the [[Avatars]] are presented to players. In games such as [[Tiger Woods PGA Tour]] and the third installment of the [[Fallout series]], the [[Initial Personalization]] not only includes gameplay options but also purely cosmetic choices. By doing so, players have two different avenues to create [[Emotional Engrossment]] to the [[Avatars]] and the game in general already before gameplay begins. For [[Multiplayer Games]], [[Handles]] presented [[Geospatial Game Widgets]] hovering above the [[Avatars]] can make each players' identity unique. Going further, differences in [[Avatars]]' appearances or [[Game State Indicators]] can be vital to express [[Asymmetric Abilities]] and [[Privileged Abilities]] in order to support players, both in finding [[Achilles' Heels]] in enemies and supporting team play, and [[Team Combos]] in particular, within [[Teams]]. For games with [[Functional Roles]] these differences can easily be shown as changes in general appearance or clothing, while games with [[Vehicles]] or [[Equipment]] such as [[Armor]], [[Cosmetic Game Items]], [[Tools]], and [[Weapons]] can simply integrate the presentation of these with the [[Avatars]]. In other cases, e.g. games with [[Power-Ups]], [[Geospatial Game Widgets]] may be more appropriate instead, as for example is done for the showing that someone has the ''Quad Damage'' [[Power-Ups|Power-Up]] in the [[Quake series]].
+[[Avatar Personalization]] is the ability to change [[Avatars]]' appearance, which although it does not direct affect gameplay can be important. While [[Avatars]] names are not part of their diegetic appearance, [[Naming]] can be seen as a variant of this personalization since it changes how the [[Avatars]] are presented to players. In games such as [[Tiger Woods PGA Tour]] and the third installment of the [[Fallout series]], the [[Initial Personalization]] not only includes gameplay options but also purely cosmetic choices. By doing so, players have two different avenues to create [[Emotional Engrossment]] to the [[Avatars]] and the game in general already before gameplay begins. For [[Multiplayer Games]], [[Handles]] presented [[Geospatial Game Widgets]] hovering above the [[Avatars]] can make each players' identity unique. Going further, differences in [[Avatars]]' appearances or [[Game State Indicators]] can be vital to express [[Asymmetric Abilities]] and [[Privileged Abilities]] in order to support players, both in finding [[Achilles' Heels]] in enemies and supporting team play, and [[Team Combos]] in particular, within [[Teams]] of [[Avatars]]. For games with [[Functional Roles]] these differences can easily be shown as changes in general appearance or clothing, while games with [[Vehicles]] or [[Equipment]] such as [[Armor]], [[Cosmetic Game Items]], [[Tools]], and [[Weapons]] can simply integrate the presentation of these with the [[Avatars]]. In other cases, e.g. games with [[Power-Ups]], [[Geospatial Game Widgets]] may be more appropriate instead, as for example is done for the showing that someone has the ''Quad Damage'' [[Power-Ups|Power-Up]] in the [[Quake series]].
 In games with [[Hybrid Gameplay Spaces]], [[Player-Avatar Proximity]] modify [[Avatars]] so they can not only interact with other [[Avatars]] (and other virtual gameplay elements) but also with players.
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 [[Safe Havens]], [[Skills]], [[Spawning]],
 [[Stealing]],
 [[Thematic Consistency]],
 [[Third-Person Views]], [[Tools]],

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 [[Dexterity-Based Actions]],
 [[Diegetic Consistency]],
-[[Eliminate]], [[Emotional Engrossment]], [[Enemies]],
+[[Eliminate]],
 [[Game World Exploration]],
 [[Focus Loci]], [[Fog of War]],

@@ Line 27: / Line 27: @@
 Two main requirements are needed for players to perceive themselves as having [[Avatars]] in the game. First, that a single entity in the [[Game Worlds|Game World]] is their primary ability to affect the game, i.e. that person is their [[Focus Loci]] (since controlling several game elements give rise to the [[Units]] patterns). Second, that the game (or other players) can affect the players' success or failure regarding gameplay through the entity. This does not mean that players only can have one specific [[Avatars|Avatar]] during a complete game session, simply that one only has one at any given time. Examples of using more than one [[Avatars|Avatar]] include [[Fahrenheit]], where the player switching between several different protagonists in the game story, and [[Cursor*10]] where players cooperate with previous instances of their [[Avatars]]. Games such as [[Sleepwalker]] and [[Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time]] blur the distinction between [[Avatars]] and [[Units]] by having several diegetic persons that they have to take care of (they can be said to instantiate a weak form of [[Parallel Lives]] but where the [[Avatars]] are controlled as one group and losing one may immediately have bad effects). A weaker form of this blurring can be found in games where players'  have [[Companions]] more limited than full-fledged [[AI Players]] that accompany the [[Avatars]], e.g. the dogs in the [[Fallout series]], [[Shadow Dancer]], and [[Fable II]], and the various [[Companions]] in [[Torchlight]]. Another variation of [[Avatars]] is to use them in a layered fashion where a player's [[Avatars|Avatar]] controls another game element directly. This typically presented to the player by replacing the [[Avatars|Avatar]] with the other game element and providing the actions of the game element to the player. Examples of this are the possessing of other droids in [[Paradroid]] and the possibility to enter the driving position in vehicles in [[Battlefield 1942]]. Note that the controlling of [[Avatars]] can be dislocated from the [[Avatars]] themselves by using [[God Fingers]] to give the actual instructions on what they should do - the [[Sims series]] is an example of this. This is ''not'' [[Indirect Control]] of the [[Avatars]] since players do not have to act through any other game element to reach the effects they want, it is simply that the giving of instructions are done indirectly.
-Choosing the abilities [[Avatars]] provide naturally depends on the intended gameplay and theme, but some are more likely than others. [[Movement]] is very common ability used with [[Avatars]], both to allow explorations and re-positioning in the [[Game Worlds]] and since players are used to thinking about themselves in relation to their locomotion. Related to [[Movement]] is the consideration if the [[Avatars]] should be [[Diegetically Tangible Game Items]] - if they are they can become [[Obstacles]] to the [[Movement]] of other game elements, and in [[Multiplayer Games]], other [[Avatars]]. Also related to this is if they should extend [[Zone of Control|Zones of Control]], i.e. affect the [[Abilities]] of those next to them. Another common ability is perception, i.e. that the [[Avatars]] can detect some aspects of the [[Game Worlds|Game World]] but not other. Note that this can be used both to limit what actions are possible (e.g. only being able to shoot enemies which are in the [[Avatars|Avatar's]] [[Line of Sight]]) but also to limit the ''players''' information about the game state, i.e. provide a form of [[Fog of War]] and make [[God Views]] impossible. That latter is typically a natural consequence of [[First-Person Views]] unless the [[Game Worlds|Game World]] has very few [[Obstacles]]. [[Combat]] is also a common ability for [[Avatars]] and makes [[Capture]] and [[Eliminate]] goals possible. Although more common for [[Characters]], actions related to [[Transferable Items]], e.g. [[Trading]] and [[Stealing]], can sometimes be appropriate for [[Avatars]]. A rather rare ability for [[Avatars]] but which can be vital in [[Multiplayer Games|Multiplayer]] first-person shooters is to allow some [[Avatars]] to have the [[Privileged Abilities|Privileged Ability]] of being able to act as a [[Spawn Points|Spawn Point]]. Besides what actions the avatars can perform, their likelihood to succeed can be linked either to the [[Characters|Character]] statistics, player skill, or [[Player/Character Skill Composites]] and the choices made here typically determine the proportions importance of [[Dexterity-Based Actions]] and [[Tactical Planning]] in the game.
+Choosing which [[Abilities]] the [[Avatars]] should provide naturally depends on the intended gameplay and theme, but some are more likely than others. [[Movement]] is very common ability used with [[Avatars]], both to allow explorations and re-positioning in the [[Game Worlds]] and since players are used to thinking about themselves in relation to their locomotion. Related to [[Movement]] is the consideration if the [[Avatars]] should be [[Diegetically Tangible Game Items]] - if they are they can become [[Obstacles]] to the [[Movement]] of other game elements, and in [[Multiplayer Games]], other [[Avatars]]. Also related to this is if they should extend [[Zone of Control|Zones of Control]], i.e. affect the [[Abilities]] of those next to them. Another common ability is perception, i.e. that the [[Avatars]] can detect some aspects of the [[Game Worlds|Game World]] but not other. Note that this can be used both to limit what actions are possible (e.g. only being able to shoot enemies which are in the [[Avatars|Avatar's]] [[Line of Sight]]) but also to limit the ''players''' information about the game state, i.e. provide a form of [[Fog of War]] and make [[God Views]] impossible. That latter is typically a natural consequence of [[First-Person Views]] unless the [[Game Worlds|Game World]] has very few [[Obstacles]]. [[Combat]] is also a common ability for [[Avatars]] and makes [[Capture]] and [[Eliminate]] goals possible. Although more common for [[Characters]], actions related to [[Transferable Items]], e.g. [[Trading]] and [[Stealing]], can sometimes be appropriate for [[Avatars]]. A rather rare ability for [[Avatars]] but which can be vital in [[Multiplayer Games|Multiplayer]] first-person shooters is to allow some [[Avatars]] to have the [[Privileged Abilities|Privileged Ability]] of being able to act as a [[Spawn Points|Spawn Point]]. Besides what actions the avatars can perform, their likelihood to succeed can be linked either to the [[Characters|Character]] statistics, player skill, or [[Player/Character Skill Composites]] and the choices made here typically determine the proportions importance of [[Dexterity-Based Actions]] and [[Tactical Planning]] in the game.
 Many games start with a [[Limited Set of Actions]] available through the [[Avatars]] and then expanding this through [[New Abilities]] as gameplay progresses. By doing this, as is done for example in the [[Super Mario|Super Mario series]] and [[The Legend of Zelda series]], the game can provide a [[Challenging Gameplay]] in the beginning and a [[Smooth Learning Curves]] as the game commences. Note that [[New Abilities]] or [[Improved Abilities]] can be given either to [[Avatars]] or [[Characters]]; the abilities are linked to [[Avatars]] when the abilities are only observable through actions in the [[Game Worlds|Game World]] or there are no observable abstract representations of [[Characters]] behind the [[Avatars]]. These [[New Abilities]] provide ways of having [[Character Development]] even in games that do not have explicit [[Characters]]. Another option to providing [[New Abilities]] to [[Avatars]] is through diegetically facilitated them through [[Location-Fixed Abilities]] such as [[Controllers]], [[Installations]], [[Tools]], or [[Vehicles]]. [[Game Items]] such as [[Weapons]] can provide both [[New Abilities|New]] and [[Improved Abilities]] while [[Armor]] can protected against [[Damage]]. Further, the game design can support the [[Predetermined Story Structures]] by limiting access to game areas until various [[Privileged Abilities]], or [[Privileged Movement]] to gain entry to [[Inaccessible Areas]], have been acquired.

@@ Line 29: / Line 29: @@
 Choosing the abilities [[Avatars]] provide naturally depends on the intended gameplay and theme, but some are more likely than others. [[Movement]] is very common ability used with [[Avatars]], both to allow explorations and re-positioning in the [[Game Worlds]] and since players are used to thinking about themselves in relation to their locomotion. Related to [[Movement]] is the consideration if the [[Avatars]] should be [[Diegetically Tangible Game Items]] - if they are they can become [[Obstacles]] to the [[Movement]] of other game elements, and in [[Multiplayer Games]], other [[Avatars]]. Also related to this is if they should extend [[Zone of Control|Zones of Control]], i.e. affect the [[Abilities]] of those next to them. Another common ability is perception, i.e. that the [[Avatars]] can detect some aspects of the [[Game Worlds|Game World]] but not other. Note that this can be used both to limit what actions are possible (e.g. only being able to shoot enemies which are in the [[Avatars|Avatar's]] [[Line of Sight]]) but also to limit the ''players''' information about the game state, i.e. provide a form of [[Fog of War]] and make [[God Views]] impossible. That latter is typically a natural consequence of [[First-Person Views]] unless the [[Game Worlds|Game World]] has very few [[Obstacles]]. [[Combat]] is also a common ability for [[Avatars]] and makes [[Capture]] and [[Eliminate]] goals possible. Although more common for [[Characters]], actions related to [[Transferable Items]], e.g. [[Trading]] and [[Stealing]], can sometimes be appropriate for [[Avatars]]. A rather rare ability for [[Avatars]] but which can be vital in [[Multiplayer Games|Multiplayer]] first-person shooters is to allow some [[Avatars]] to have the [[Privileged Abilities|Privileged Ability]] of being able to act as a [[Spawn Points|Spawn Point]]. Besides what actions the avatars can perform, their likelihood to succeed can be linked either to the [[Characters|Character]] statistics, player skill, or [[Player/Character Skill Composites]] and the choices made here typically determine the proportions importance of [[Dexterity-Based Actions]] and [[Tactical Planning]] in the game.
-Many games start with a [[Limited Set of Actions]] available through the [[Avatars]] and then expanding this through [[New Abilities]] as gameplay progresses. By doing this, as is done for example in the [[Super Mario|Super Mario series]] and [[The Legend of Zelda series]], the game can provide a [[Right Level of Difficulty]] in the beginning and a [[Smooth Learning Curves]] as the game commences. Note that [[New Abilities]] or [[Improved Abilities]] can be given either to [[Avatars]] or [[Characters]]; the abilities are linked to [[Avatars]] when the abilities are only observable through actions in the [[Game Worlds|Game World]] or there are no observable abstract representations of [[Characters]] behind the [[Avatars]]. These [[New Abilities]] provide ways of having [[Character Development]] even in games that do not have explicit [[Characters]]. Another option to providing [[New Abilities]] to [[Avatars]] is through diegetically facilitated them through [[Location-Fixed Abilities]] such as [[Controllers]], [[Installations]], [[Tools]], or [[Vehicles]]. [[Game Items]] such as [[Weapons]] can provide both [[New Abilities|New]] and [[Improved Abilities]] while [[Armor]] can protected against [[Damage]]. Further, the game design can support the [[Predetermined Story Structures]] by limiting access to game areas until various [[Privileged Abilities]], or [[Privileged Movement]] to gain entry to [[Inaccessible Areas]], have been acquired.
+Many games start with a [[Limited Set of Actions]] available through the [[Avatars]] and then expanding this through [[New Abilities]] as gameplay progresses. By doing this, as is done for example in the [[Super Mario|Super Mario series]] and [[The Legend of Zelda series]], the game can provide a [[Challenging Gameplay]] in the beginning and a [[Smooth Learning Curves]] as the game commences. Note that [[New Abilities]] or [[Improved Abilities]] can be given either to [[Avatars]] or [[Characters]]; the abilities are linked to [[Avatars]] when the abilities are only observable through actions in the [[Game Worlds|Game World]] or there are no observable abstract representations of [[Characters]] behind the [[Avatars]]. These [[New Abilities]] provide ways of having [[Character Development]] even in games that do not have explicit [[Characters]]. Another option to providing [[New Abilities]] to [[Avatars]] is through diegetically facilitated them through [[Location-Fixed Abilities]] such as [[Controllers]], [[Installations]], [[Tools]], or [[Vehicles]]. [[Game Items]] such as [[Weapons]] can provide both [[New Abilities|New]] and [[Improved Abilities]] while [[Armor]] can protected against [[Damage]]. Further, the game design can support the [[Predetermined Story Structures]] by limiting access to game areas until various [[Privileged Abilities]], or [[Privileged Movement]] to gain entry to [[Inaccessible Areas]], have been acquired.
 Linking the success or failure of the gameplay to [[Avatars]] can be done in many ways. [[Race]], [[Traverse]], [[Deliver]], [[Herd]], and [[Contact]] goals naturally depend on the [[Avatars]] movement if their positions are used to determine if the end conditions have been reached. [[Game World Exploration]] can likewise be used if the game uses the [[Avatars]]' modes of perception to judge what has been found. The use of [[Damage]] (and by extension [[Eliminate]]) due to [[Combat]] or [[Traps]] is a very common way to make [[Avatars]] vulnerable and players' succeed linked to them, but [[Ability Losses]] (including [[Privileged Abilities]]), or losses of [[Scores|Score]] points or [[Tools]] are other possibilities.  Although these introduce negative possibilities for the players, once these vulnerabilities have been established they allow for the goals of [[Evade]] and [[Stealth]] to be linked to the [[Avatars]]. In general, any type of [[Penalties]] that can be avoided through [[Avatars|Avatar]] [[Movement]] leads to players having [[Evade]] goals. More specific goals that can be introduced in this way, especially when combined with [[Multiplayer Games]] and common [[Eliminate]] goals are [[King of the Hill]] and [[Last Man Standing]]. The death or [[Eliminate|Elimination]] of [[Avatars]] typically either signifies the end of the game (if [[Permadeath]] is used), [[Downtime]] before the next round begins or other types of [[Death Consequences]], or the loss of one of the [[Lives]] available (and in the last case requires [[Spawning]] or the activation of a new [[Avatars|Avatar]]). This makes the [[Survive]] goal an integral part of many games using [[Avatars]].

@@ Line 29: / Line 29: @@
 Choosing the abilities [[Avatars]] provide naturally depends on the intended gameplay and theme, but some are more likely than others. [[Movement]] is very common ability used with [[Avatars]], both to allow explorations and re-positioning in the [[Game Worlds]] and since players are used to thinking about themselves in relation to their locomotion. Related to [[Movement]] is the consideration if the [[Avatars]] should be [[Diegetically Tangible Game Items]] - if they are they can become [[Obstacles]] to the [[Movement]] of other game elements, and in [[Multiplayer Games]], other [[Avatars]]. Also related to this is if they should extend [[Zone of Control|Zones of Control]], i.e. affect the [[Abilities]] of those next to them. Another common ability is perception, i.e. that the [[Avatars]] can detect some aspects of the [[Game Worlds|Game World]] but not other. Note that this can be used both to limit what actions are possible (e.g. only being able to shoot enemies which are in the [[Avatars|Avatar's]] [[Line of Sight]]) but also to limit the ''players''' information about the game state, i.e. provide a form of [[Fog of War]] and make [[God Views]] impossible. That latter is typically a natural consequence of [[First-Person Views]] unless the [[Game Worlds|Game World]] has very few [[Obstacles]]. [[Combat]] is also a common ability for [[Avatars]] and makes [[Capture]] and [[Eliminate]] goals possible. Although more common for [[Characters]], actions related to [[Transferable Items]], e.g. [[Trading]] and [[Stealing]], can sometimes be appropriate for [[Avatars]]. A rather rare ability for [[Avatars]] but which can be vital in [[Multiplayer Games|Multiplayer]] first-person shooters is to allow some [[Avatars]] to have the [[Privileged Abilities|Privileged Ability]] of being able to act as a [[Spawn Points|Spawn Point]]. Besides what actions the avatars can perform, their likelihood to succeed can be linked either to the [[Characters|Character]] statistics, player skill, or [[Player/Character Skill Composites]] and the choices made here typically determine the proportions importance of [[Dexterity-Based Actions]] and [[Tactical Planning]] in the game.
-Many games start with a [[Limited Set of Actions]] available through the [[Avatars]] and then expanding this through [[New Abilities]] as gameplay progresses. By doing this, as is done for example in the [[Super Mario|Super Mario series]] and [[The Legend of Zelda series]], the game can provide a [[Right Level of Difficulty]] in the beginning and a [[Smooth Learning Curves]] as the game commences. Note that [[New Abilities]] or [[Improved Abilities]] can be given either to [[Avatars]] or [[Characters]]; the abilities are linked to [[Avatars]] when the abilities are only observable through actions in the [[Game Worlds|Game World]] or there are no observable abstract representations of [[Characters]] behind the [[Avatars]]. These [[New Abilities]] provide ways of having [[Character Development]] even in games that do not have explicit [[Characters]]. Another option to providing [[New Abilities]] to [[Avatars]] is through diegetically facilitated them through [[Location-Fixed Abilities]] such as [[Controllers]], [[Installations]], [[Tools]], or [[Vehicles]]. [[Game Items]] such as [[Weapons]] can provide both [[New Abilities|New]] and [[Improved Abilities]] while [[Armor]] can protected against [[Damage]]. Further, the game design can support the [[Narration Structures]] by limiting access to game areas until various [[Privileged Abilities]], or [[Privileged Movement]] to gain entry to [[Inaccessible Areas]], have been acquired.
+Many games start with a [[Limited Set of Actions]] available through the [[Avatars]] and then expanding this through [[New Abilities]] as gameplay progresses. By doing this, as is done for example in the [[Super Mario|Super Mario series]] and [[The Legend of Zelda series]], the game can provide a [[Right Level of Difficulty]] in the beginning and a [[Smooth Learning Curves]] as the game commences. Note that [[New Abilities]] or [[Improved Abilities]] can be given either to [[Avatars]] or [[Characters]]; the abilities are linked to [[Avatars]] when the abilities are only observable through actions in the [[Game Worlds|Game World]] or there are no observable abstract representations of [[Characters]] behind the [[Avatars]]. These [[New Abilities]] provide ways of having [[Character Development]] even in games that do not have explicit [[Characters]]. Another option to providing [[New Abilities]] to [[Avatars]] is through diegetically facilitated them through [[Location-Fixed Abilities]] such as [[Controllers]], [[Installations]], [[Tools]], or [[Vehicles]]. [[Game Items]] such as [[Weapons]] can provide both [[New Abilities|New]] and [[Improved Abilities]] while [[Armor]] can protected against [[Damage]]. Further, the game design can support the [[Predetermined Story Structures]] by limiting access to game areas until various [[Privileged Abilities]], or [[Privileged Movement]] to gain entry to [[Inaccessible Areas]], have been acquired.
 Linking the success or failure of the gameplay to [[Avatars]] can be done in many ways. [[Race]], [[Traverse]], [[Deliver]], [[Herd]], and [[Contact]] goals naturally depend on the [[Avatars]] movement if their positions are used to determine if the end conditions have been reached. [[Game World Exploration]] can likewise be used if the game uses the [[Avatars]]' modes of perception to judge what has been found. The use of [[Damage]] (and by extension [[Eliminate]]) due to [[Combat]] or [[Traps]] is a very common way to make [[Avatars]] vulnerable and players' succeed linked to them, but [[Ability Losses]] (including [[Privileged Abilities]]), or losses of [[Scores|Score]] points or [[Tools]] are other possibilities.  Although these introduce negative possibilities for the players, once these vulnerabilities have been established they allow for the goals of [[Evade]] and [[Stealth]] to be linked to the [[Avatars]]. In general, any type of [[Penalties]] that can be avoided through [[Avatars|Avatar]] [[Movement]] leads to players having [[Evade]] goals. More specific goals that can be introduced in this way, especially when combined with [[Multiplayer Games]] and common [[Eliminate]] goals are [[King of the Hill]] and [[Last Man Standing]]. The death or [[Eliminate|Elimination]] of [[Avatars]] typically either signifies the end of the game (if [[Permadeath]] is used), [[Downtime]] before the next round begins or other types of [[Death Consequences]], or the loss of one of the [[Lives]] available (and in the last case requires [[Spawning]] or the activation of a new [[Avatars|Avatar]]). This makes the [[Survive]] goal an integral part of many games using [[Avatars]].
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 Besides these two necessary conditions, the [[Avatars]] relation to its surroundings and other diegetic persons are fundamental in how they are perceived. The use of [[Traps]], [[Environmental Effects]], [[Inaccessible Areas]], [[Obstacles]], [[Diegetically Outstanding Features]], and [[Safe Havens]] not only help define the [[Game Worlds]] but also the [[Avatars]] through how they affect them. [[Diegetically Tangible Game Items]] can serve many of these purposes while also having the functionality of various types of [[Game Items]]. That game elements in [[Game Worlds]] can help define [[Avatars]] becomes especially true if there are many types of playable [[Avatars]] or the [[Avatars]] are affected differently than [[Enemies]] and other [[Agents]], e.g. through having different rules concerning [[Line of Sight]]. Reversely, if [[Avatars]] block [[Line of Sight]] or not when this pattern is used affects the [[Avatars]] relation to the [[Game Worlds|Game World]]. [[Automated Responses]], actions initiated by the [[Avatars]] themselves without player interference, are ways to inform players about possible actions (e.g. by the [[Avatars]] glancing at them or commenting them) or possible dangers (e.g. how [[Avatars]] in [[Assassin's Creed 2]] and [[Prince of Persia]] make animations of regaining their balance after nearly falling of ledges when players have moved them to close).
-Additional design possibilities exist to let players have closer attachment with their [[Avatars]], with two common approaches being related to what ability or appearance they have. [[Initial Personalization]] let players choose or modify the [[Avatars]] before gameplay starts so they can suit the players' preferences regarding either gameplay or theme. [[Character Development]], which can either be a continuation of the [[Initial Personalization]] or an independent feature, let players fine-tune their [[Avatars]] as gameplay progresses. The effort these two patterns require from players is in itself a potential cause for them to feel an attachment to them; the [[Value of Effort]] makes it more compelling to care about the outcome. Although most often related to [[Characters]], [[Narration Structures]] and diegetic-related patterns such as [[Loyalty]] can be applied when [[Avatars]] exist.
+Additional design possibilities exist to let players have closer attachment with their [[Avatars]], with two common approaches being related to what ability or appearance they have. [[Initial Personalization]] let players choose or modify the [[Avatars]] before gameplay starts so they can suit the players' preferences regarding either gameplay or theme. [[Character Development]], which can either be a continuation of the [[Initial Personalization]] or an independent feature, let players fine-tune their [[Avatars]] as gameplay progresses. The effort these two patterns require from players is in itself a potential cause for them to feel an attachment to them; the [[Value of Effort]] makes it more compelling to care about the outcome. Although most often related to [[Characters]], [[Predetermined Story Structures]] and diegetic-related patterns such as [[Loyalty]] can be applied when [[Avatars]] exist.
 While the pattern [[Characters]] handles abstract [[Attributes]] of diegetic individuals, it may be pointless to argue that both patterns exist in a game if there only exists a few [[Attributes]] and these are constantly presented to players. A typical example of this can be found in [[:Category:FPS Games|First-Person Shooters]] such as [[Battlefield 1942]] or the [[Quake series]] where [[HUD Interfaces]] display [[Health]] values, [[Ammunition]] left, and active [[Weapons|Weapon]]; here it is easier to consider these patterns (especially [[Health]] as being linked to [[Avatars]] rather than [[Characters]]. [[Equipment Slots]] can allow limited handling of [[Equipment]] without having to commit to the use of complete [[Inventories|Inventory]] systems. In contrast, [[Battlefield 2]] and [[Team Fortress 2]] store additional information related to [[Equipment]] and gameplay performances which qualify them to make use of the [[Characters]] pattern. Likewise, [[Invulnerabilities]] and [[Vulnerabilities]] (including [[Achilles' Heels]]) that do not develop over gameplay (due to being either permanent or very temporary) can be viewed as belong to [[Avatars]] unless the [[Characters]] pattern is used for additional purposes in games.
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 [[Focus Loci]], [[Fog of War]],
 [[Game Element Insertion]],
-[[Illusion of Influence]], [[Loyalty]], [[Narration Structures]], [[Ownership]], [[Parallel Lives]],
+[[Illusion of Influence]], [[Loyalty]],
 [[Permadeath]],
 [[Roleplaying]], [[Spatial Engrossment]],
 [[Spawn Points]],

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 [[Category:Patterns]]
 [[Category:Game Element Patterns]]
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 In games with [[Hybrid Gameplay Spaces]], [[Player-Avatar Proximity]] modify [[Avatars]] so they can not only interact with other [[Avatars]] (and other virtual gameplay elements) but also with players.
 == Consequences ==
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 ==== with [[Diegetically Tangible Game Items]] ====
 [[Obstacles]]
 ==== with [[Mediated Gameplay]] ====
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 [[Diegetically Outstanding Features]],
 [[Eliminate]],
 [[Environmental Effects]],
 [[Equipment]],