Abstract
Identifying with video game characters is one potentially important process in game enjoyment. Based on a theoretical model of video game identification as transformed self-perception, cognitive processes in video game identification were explored. An experiment with N = 60 male players revealed that increased cognitive accessibility of character-related concepts should be considered as element of the identification process. Moreover, shifts in players’ self-perceptions were observed so that players of a shooter video game (Call of Duty 2 TM) described themselves as less gentle and more soldier-like than a control group. Overall, the study suggests that shifts in self-related cognition occur as part of the gaming experience. Implications for future research on game enjoyment and long-term game effects are discussed.
This research was funded by the European Commission, project “FUGA: The fun of gaming” (NEST-PATH-IMP 28765). We thankfully acknowledge the Commission’s support.
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Blake, C., Hefner, D., Roth, C., Klimmt, C., Vorderer, P. (2012). Cognitive Processes Involved in Video Game Identification. In: Herrlich, M., Malaka, R., Masuch, M. (eds) Entertainment Computing - ICEC 2012. ICEC 2012. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 7522. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-33542-6_7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-33542-6_7
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