Although there has been little research on human interaction with video game
characters, Van Vugt et al. (2006) found that intentions to use mascots in games were
mainly dependent on efficiency considerations and not the character’s visual
appearance. Today’s Olympic mascots are designed to be attractive both on- and offline,
in both static and dynamic situations. For example, the official Vancouver 2010
Olympic web site offered visitors a number of easy-to-use features and interactive
games such as a Which Mascot Are You Like? personality test. Video game aficionados
and the casual web user could play Soaring with Sumi where the object was to keep the
green-winged mascot flying across Canada; alternatively, visitors could play hockey
with Miga and Sumi in Shootout Shutout. The Organizing Committee expended
considerable effort on promoting the environmental aspects of the Games, including a
game where visitors could engage with the mascots and virtually recycle materials
from the Games, endorsing the growing global awareness of environmental concerns.