Performatology: A procedural acting approach for interactive drama in cinematic games

Abstract

We define a Performatology approach as combining performing arts theory with AI to design Performative Embodied Agents (PEAs) that simulate skilled acting. Our position is that NPC characters for interactive drama, in the traditions of theater and cinema, should be animated by agent behavior modeled on the physical acting of live performers. We propose that agent behavior problems related to generating embodied fictive characterizations are at least in part gestural acting problems that have been addressed in the arts domain. Actors, puppeteers, and animators have successfully portrayed fictive characters that are both believable and appealing to audiences, and therefore similar agent generated characters should attempt to simulate their techniques. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.