In a system and method providing for interaction with virtual objects, and interaction between virtual objects, in an augmented reality, or mixed reality, or virtual reality, environment, detected conditions may trigger animated responses from virtual objects placed in a view of a physical environment. The detected conditions may include the detection of a user within a set threshold distance or proximity, the detection of another virtual object within a set threshold placement distance or proximity, the detection of particular environmental conditions in the view of the physical environment, and other such factors. Specific behavioral animations of the virtual objects may be triggered in response to detection of specific virtual objects and/or other conditions.