Configurable virtual environment definitions

Abstract

Techniques and solutions are provided for facilitating the definition and use of virtual environments. Typically, virtual environments require manual linking of virtual environment components, such as locations, avatars to be displayed, avatar interactions, and actions to be taken upon a selected interaction. This is in addition to actions to define, for example, a visual representation of a virtual location or an avatar. Disclosed techniques provide standardized data objects that can represent components of a virtual environment and relationships between such components. For example, aspects of a virtual environment can be predefined, and a user can configure the virtual environment with particular avatars and particular avatar content (such as media to be rendered for that avatar). In particular aspects, components of a virtual environment, such as avatars, can be determined at runtime, included based on attributes associated with a particular user for whom the virtual environment is to be rendered.