Backstory elaboration: A method for creating realistic and individually varied cultural avatars

Abstract

Simulation-based and game-based technology can be used to drive experiential learning of interactive skills such as cross-cultural interactions. Backstory Elaboration (BE) is a method for creating design prompts, dialogs, and interactions that contain realistic verbal behaviors and variability for multiple avatars or non-player characters (NPCs) in cross-cultural virtual training environment. BE structures and simplifies the creation of believable non-player characters with realistic variability with respect to the social-cultural reference. In addition, it articulates easily and effectively with the design and integration of instruction content to support intelligent adaptive tutoring in the learning process. An example application from a clinical communication domain is presented.