I intend to explore the idea that video games provide an outlet for each player to construct, observe, and alter versions or reflections of their own self/subjectivity/ego through the realization of their in-game avatar. This realization includes character creation/customization (designing the avatar), in-game choices/decisions, prioritized activity, speech (personality, style, dialect, etc.), internal dialogue over imaginative processes, performance of player-type characteristics, and so much more. Simultaneously, and arguably inevitably, I will also examine how players construct and critique the subjectivity and identity of other players by encountering their avatars in the game, so that all players are intersubjectively perceiving representations of each other through their interactions. I expect to use mostly role-playing video games (especially online ones) in my endeavors with this project. One game that I’ll use is RuneScape, an MMORPG (fully online). Another game that I’ll use is Dark Souls (both single player and online). And, finally, I’ll use Oblivion (TES IV) as my single-player example. In the realm of theory that I’ll use to back my assertions, I plan on using Jean-Paul Sartre’s Being and Nothingness for its utility in the field of subjectivity/intersubjectivity as it relates to meaning-making, essence-placing, etc. This should provide the rudimentary basis for my arguments, but I will expand on this with “Player Commitment to MMORPGs: An Integrated Model” by Junghoon et al, other scholarly, peer-reviewed articles within a similar vein, and (why, yes, of course) my own original thoughts.
2 thoughts on “Project 1 Overview”
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Hey Evan, I’m intrigued as to how your project will pan out because I always find myself obsessing over the look of my characters but never asked why. It seems like you have a good basis of games to review with massive player bases and the a good handle on what your sources will offer you. If I can suggest one more game for you to examine, Destiny 1 and 2 have a similar build to an MMORPG but in regards to the avatar building and their appearances I know of a big reasoning for character appearance in the Destiny community. A lot of players will equip the armor and weapons that they gain from completing difficult tasks within the game just to boast in the social spaces over the other characters that may have not completed the same task. Whenever I play a group of my friends, we always come across one player in the social space who will have the entirety of the armor that is rewarded through the raids equipped just to show off. Something else to maybe take a look at to add more to your project! Good luck!
Very interesting concept! RuneScape is a good choice as an MMORPG (at least, from what I’ve heard of it. I’ve honestly never played myself), but I would also recommend Star Wars: The Old Republic, as it is a strongly narrative driven MMORPG that features a great deal of player choice and customization. That’s just if you want to expand on what you already have, you currently have a really strong foundation!