WHAT IS AN AVATAR?!
I found that the original definition of 'Avatar' came from Hindu philosophy meaning "bodily manifestation of a divine being." Considering the original definition I thought the name 'Avatar' (being used for representing ourselves in a computer generated environment nowadays) was too strong. But thinking on it longer I realised the simularity of their meanings. ie; if I create a character inside a computer generated environment it would be my manifestation of a divine (human) being.
Gaming has played a big part in my young-time-wasting days, and have witnessed the growth in 'create-a-avatar' features in video games. I guess in gaming the aim is for total imursion, a way to involve the gamer more would to allow them to manifest into the character onscreen. From games like 'TonyHawk'sProSkater1' on the 'PS1' up to most recently 'Mii' characters on the 'NintendoWii' the idea has been to encourage re-creating yourself for it to then interact within a computer generated environment.
"A Mii (pronounced /ˈmiː/) is a digital avatar created by Nintendo for the Wii's Mii Channel. After creating them, they can be used as participating characters in certain Mii-oriented games, as first shown in Wii Sports and Wii Play. Miis are customizable and allow the user to capture a likeness or caricature, or capture the personality of themselves and others."
Forest Whitaker, by Ali420
T.
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