research-article

The relationship between character identification and flow state within video games

Authors:

Alistair Raymond Bryce Soutter,

Michael HitchensAuthors Info & Claims

Computers in Human Behavior, Volume 55, Issue PB

Pages 1030 - 1038

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2015.11.012

Published: 01 February 2016 Publication History

Abstract

Flow is a concept used to describe the pleasurable immersion that individuals experience, often in recreational activities such as video games. A key component in many video games is the player's avatar; through which the player experiences the game world and game play. Past theory suggests that flow and the identification of a player with their avatar are vital aspects of video games and it is this that differentiates them from other forms of media. However, research on the relationship between flow and avatar/character identification is in its infancy. This study aimed to further examine these two concepts and their relationship within video games. This study consisted of 306 participants, who completed a series of self-report questionnaires online. As hypothesised, it was found that character identification was strongly and positively related to flow. It was also found that only the video game specific characteristics of similarity to character and customisation were negatively and positively related to flow respectively. Furthermore, similarity but not customisation was related to character identification, and that similarity was strongly and positively related to character identification. Other findings include Openness to Experience being positively related to character identification, and Extraversion being negatively related to character identification. Character identification was significantly related to flow within games.Similarity to character and customisation of character were also related to flow.Only video game concepts were related to flow in video games.Openness, Extraversion and similarity were related to character identification.

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cover image Computers in Human Behavior

Computers in Human Behavior Volume 55, Issue PB

February 2016

645 pages

ISSN:0747-5632

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Copyright © Elsevier Ltd.

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Elsevier Science Publishers B. V.

Netherlands

Publication History

Published: 01 February 2016

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Zomerplaag SBakkes S(2024)An Exploratory Study on Gender Dysphoria & Character CustomisationProceedings of the 19th International Conference on the Foundations of Digital Games10.1145/3649921.3650020(1-12)Online publication date: 21-May-2024
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Poeller SDechant MMandryk R(2024)Playing with Prejudice: Do Colour Scheme and Hypersexualization of Women In Games Influence Player Decisions, Perceptions, and Avatar Appeal?Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on the Foundations of Digital Games10.1145/3649921.3650006(1-14)Online publication date: 21-May-2024
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