Controlling your avatar

Breakroom really helps you get around! Learn how to walk, fly, dance, and interact with other users through your virtual avatar.

Overview

Just as we rely on our physical bodies to help us experience the world, your avatar serves as your main point of reference within the Metaverse. In order to explore, create, and socialize within Breakroom, you will need to move your avatar through virtual space. On this page you'll learn how to navigate Regions by walking and flying, as well as how to animate your avatar through the use of gestures.

Controlling your avatar

Walking

You can direct your avatar to walk using the arrow keys on your keyboard. The up and down arrow keys will move your avatar forward and backward, while the right and left arrow keys will turn your avatar to the right or left.

If you're familiar with playing video games on a PC, you can also use the WASD keys the same way. The Q and E keys will shuffle your avatar to the left and right.

Running

To run, press and hold down the Shift key while walking.

Jumping and crouching

To jump, press the space bar. To crouch down, press the C key while your avatar is standing on the ground.

Flying

To start flying, press the F key. This will lift your avatar into the air, where it will hover. You can then use the arrow keys or WASD keys to soar around. Press the R key (or Pg Up key) to fly higher, and the C key (or Pg Down key) to fly lower. Press the F key again to land.

Click to move

You can also move around by pointing your mouse cursor at a spot on the ground and clicking the left mouse button. Your avatar will move to the specified point and stop. This is called the "click to move" setting, and you can turn it off in the Settings window if you prefer.

The Settings window contains additional options related to avatar movement—you can change the default speed of your avatar, enable "always run" mode, and more.

Gestures

In addition to basic locomotion, Breakroom offers users the ability to play gestures. Gestures can add a spark of humor and energy to in-world activities, allowing people to express themselves and experience the immersive magic of the Metaverse.

Purchasing gestures

Gestures can be purchased through the Sinewave Shop. Under the Gestures tab, you'll find gestures designed to foster connection (such as waving, bowing, shaking hands, etc.), single-user and multi-user dances, interactive objects, and more.

Pictured: The Sinewave Shop, and an example of the contents you may find listed under the Gestures tab.

To locate the Gestures tab and purchase gestures, follow these steps.

1. Open the Sinewave Shop by clicking the Shop button located in the bottom toolbar.

2. Click the Gestures tab located at the top of the Sinewave Shop window.

3. Scroll through the gesture listings, or click on one of the gesture categories in the sidebar to narrow down your search.

4. When you find a gesture that interests you, click on the listing. You'll be given the opportunity to watch a preview of the gesture using your own avatar.

5. If you like the gesture, you can purchase it immediately by clicking either the Buy with Gold or Buy with Silver button, or add it to your cart by clicking the Add to Cart button.

Locating and playing gestures

Pictured: An example of how the Inventory window may appear. The Gestures category is expanded to reveal two sub-categories.

To locate your purchased gestures and play them directly from your Inventory, follow these steps.

1. Open the Inventory window by clicking the Inventory button located in the bottom toolbar.

2. Click on the Gestures category. Find the gesture you want to use, and click on it.

3. Click the Use button in the action menu that appears.

Installing gestures in the Hot Bar

Pictured: The Hot Bar populated by several different gestures.

You can also keep your favorite gestures right at your fingertips by adding them to the Hot Bar. To do so, click and drag the gesture from your Inventory window to a Hot Bar space. To play a gesture from the Hot Bar, click on the gesture icon.

Stopping gestures

Highlighted: The location of the Stop Gesture button.

You can stop a gesture at any time by clicking the Stop Gesture button located at the bottom of the screen.

Multi-user gestures

Single-user gestures affect only your avatar. Multi-user gestures can be played with other people, allowing you to high-five, hug, and dance with your Breakroom colleagues. There are several ways to invite others to join you in the fun.

Closed gesture invitations

Highlighted: The Play Gesture action.

To invite a specific individual to play a gesture with you, follow these steps.

1. Click on the other user's avatar, and then click Play Gesture in the action menu that appears.

2. An Inventory window will open. Click on the gesture you want to play.

The other user will see a pop-up asking whether they want to participate in the gesture with you. Once they give their consent, the gesture will play. Keep in mind that many multi-user gestures will temporarily take control of your camera in order to follow the gesture.

Either user can stop the gesture at any time by clicking the Stop Gesture button.

Open gesture invitations

Pictured: An open gesture invitation, with a visible "gesture zone."

If you play a multi-user gesture without specifying a particular partner, glowing blue rings will surround your avatar. Other users with avatars located within this "gesture zone" will then be asked if they want to participate in the gesture with you, and any of them may accept.

You can rescind an open gesture invitation or stop the gesture at any time by clicking the Stop Gesture button.