Spring 2010
90% is an ETC project focused on exploring how to simulate and represent the performance of non-verbal subtext in interactive environments. The goal is to design and develop gameplay mechanics that allow players to intuitively control and/or respond to the non-verbal intent (subtext) of non-player characters (NPCs). The initial inspiration has revolved around how to represent the expression of the four basic human emotions (happiness, sadness, anger and fear) as well as a character™s status (high or low). Further ideas could explore layers of interaction that enable players to intensify or minimize emotions and attempt to raise or lower NPC status. This layering could provide gameplay that is easy to learn but would have levels of increasing complexity as players create a characters and have to perform with them consistently given different emotional contexts. The semester goal will be to develop a series of prototype scenarios that demonstrate the theory and application of sub-contextual communication in virtual environments.