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Slimmer Avatars Make Gamers Work Harder in Physical Games

Slimmer Avatars Make Gamers Work Harder in Physical Games

A recent study has concluded that a number of female participants actually performed better (regardless of their weight class) in physical video games when using a slimmer in-game avatar. The performance of the 96 female undergraduates who took part in the study varied depending on whether they received a slim or an obese avatar.

Facilitated by the University of California, the participants were randomly assigned with a slim or an obese avatar in a tennis video game. The were also given watch-sized accelerometers to wear, which tracked their physical activity. The study showed more physical movement on the part of the participants who were given a slim avatar. The output was the same regardless of the participant’s own weight.

The author of the study, Jorge Peña, the assistant professor in the university’s Department of Communication, concluded that the results of the study support two key ideas regarding how individuals may perceive the physical capabilities of someone based on their weight, and how others may compare themselves socially with this factor in mind. According to the study results, stereotypes about weight affect how people behave around those perceived as overweight, even in a video game. Peña is also working on a similar study using male participants. The details of the study can be read in full via the source link below.

[ Source: University of California ]

[ Via: Polygon ]

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