These Avatars were actually designed ~10 years ago, for our other Social Networking site, iOrbix.
It was initially made to be a Fantasy Battle Game Format (hence the similar looking, young-adult characters, the weapons and other game-like accessories).
We'd have to make adjustments and many new outfits, to better cater for our SW audience. As well as including options to "Age" the characters, and more hair-styles to choose from.
(Different weight and body-types would likely be too difficult to integrate near-term, especially without 3D Mesh avatars.)
We can always just pause on developing this Avatars feature for now, if most users are seemingly displeased with the idea.
(Edit)
The Avatars will Not replace your Profile Picture.
They would occupy a new section of your profile (if we did move ahead with this idea).
They are intended to eventually be usable within SW Games, and possibly other portions of the site that they might be relevant.
(Edit)
I don't consider these Avatar to look like "Kids" (as numerous users are saying). They follow the general basic template/style of a cartoonish character.
(We hired a professional character designer to make them, long ago. They are designed with the typical illustrated character proportions.)
They do lack the detail and variation that other more modern virtual-world platforms offer, but I don't see them as being any much different to the typical standard avatar.
We can make improvements by including ways for each user to "Age" the looks of their avatar, accordingly.
@Andrew I do not find this an important feature. But I do find it an interesting feature. I am for it, but don't feel forced if it is extensive effort.
I think you should leave this till the far future till the characters look less child like.
Mainly because there is base which would abuse these avatars to role play inappropriately about certain themes unfortunately we are all familiar with at this point.
It is not bad idea to allow people to express themselves through virtual representations but there has to be the right environment for it. And maybe more rules related to that. Like if a user habitually participates in threads about child punishments (fetish), they shouldn't be allowed to use child like avis. Maybe also make displaying one's profile age obligatory because it makes people more aware of the age range they are interacting with and choose how to accordingly.
I am not sure. Perhaps I am overly protective and too reliant on certain past events.
Everything can be sexualized in negative manner and driven out of its main goal not just cartoons and interactive games. I do trust the admins will modify rules according to new challenges that may arise.
@Miram I don't consider these Avatar to look like kids. They follow the general basic template/style of a cartoonish character.
(We hired a professional character designer to make them, long ago. They are designed with the typical illustrated character proportions.)
They do lack the detail and variation that other more modern virtual-world platforms offer, but I don't see them as being any much different to the typical standard avatar.
We can make improvements by including ways for each user to age the looks of their avatar, accordingly.
@Bertie I agree. I am fine with whatever sacrifices need be made to decrease predatory behaviors in the internet, but also directed towards the right group.
