Paper Number
ICIS2026-1168
Paper Type
Short
Abstract
This short paper examines how visual and behavioral realism in non-player character (NPC) avatars shape user experience in immersive virtual environments. To synthesize a fragmented research landscape, we combine a bibliometric analysis of 4,750 publications with a structured evidence synthesis of 20 empirical studies. The bibliometric results indicate a rapidly growing interdisciplinary field centered on social presence, immersion, trust, and virtual character design. Across the empirical evidence base, behavioral realism such as natural movement, expressive cues, and responsive interaction shows the most consistent positive association with social presence, emotional engagement, and acceptance. Visual realism remains relevant, but its effects appear more context-dependent and can be constrained by uncanny-valley dynamics. The findings suggest that realism should be treated as a socio-technical interface design choice, with attention to interaction quality, contextual fit, and ethical safeguards against deception and emotional manipulation. The paper derives implications for designing socially credible virtual agents across contexts.
Recommended Citation
Brucker-Kley, Elke and Keller, Thomas, "The Role of Realism in NPC Avatars: A Bibliometric Review and Mixed-Method Evidence Synthesis" (2026). ICIS 2026 Proceedings. 2.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/icis2026/hti/hti/2
The Role of Realism in NPC Avatars: A Bibliometric Review and Mixed-Method Evidence Synthesis
This short paper examines how visual and behavioral realism in non-player character (NPC) avatars shape user experience in immersive virtual environments. To synthesize a fragmented research landscape, we combine a bibliometric analysis of 4,750 publications with a structured evidence synthesis of 20 empirical studies. The bibliometric results indicate a rapidly growing interdisciplinary field centered on social presence, immersion, trust, and virtual character design. Across the empirical evidence base, behavioral realism such as natural movement, expressive cues, and responsive interaction shows the most consistent positive association with social presence, emotional engagement, and acceptance. Visual realism remains relevant, but its effects appear more context-dependent and can be constrained by uncanny-valley dynamics. The findings suggest that realism should be treated as a socio-technical interface design choice, with attention to interaction quality, contextual fit, and ethical safeguards against deception and emotional manipulation. The paper derives implications for designing socially credible virtual agents across contexts.
Comments
13_Human_technology_interaction