Do You Feel Closer to Video Game Characters Than Other Forms of Media?

We all know that characters in video games are becoming more complex and generally likable. Many players may feel connected to characters in a way you would feel for someone you actually know. Most of us have done this; whether you’re playing a game, reading a book, or watching a movie, we get sucked into the world and feel for the characters. Do we feel for video game characters more, though?

The Interactive Medium

Considering that players get to directly interact with the characters and stories they witness in video games, I would lean towards video games causing more attachment to characters. Of course there are several factors that go into this. The type of game, quality, and length all contribute to whether or not people feel connected to characters in the first place.

I believe, however, that given the same quality and similar scenario, video games have a deeper connection simply because you feel more involved with their lives and what happens to them.

Take the Mass Effect series for example. Throughout the entire series you get to make choices, some of them even involve choosing whether someone lives or dies, and you follow the characters through a long journey. You directly interact with everyone and choose how you want to build your relationships. I feel like this wouldn’t have as much of an impact if it were only a movie or TV show.

Don’t get me wrong, there are very strong attachments to TV, movie, book, etc., characters, I just think that if done correctly, video games can bring players closer to characters than any other medium.

Future of Gaming

Movies and other similar forms of media are meant to entertain us, just as video games are. For the most part, they were just done in a different way. Movies entertain by displaying action, characters that we care about, and real life situations to name a few. We watch and are supposed to be awed at what we see.

Video games are similar, but instead of taking the back seat, we control that action or explore the world presented to us. In the past it was mostly just game play and most games weren’t supposed to make players have a deep emotional connection to the characters. Now, many games are focusing more on the characters and story of the game. they make players feel more connected, just as other media does.

This obviously hasn’t just started happening, but with more games like Walking Dead and Last of Us coming out, I feel it will start to be a trend.

Do you genuinely care what happens to her? Good.

I have felt attached to characters ever since I started playing RPGs on the SNES, but what about everyone else? Do you think that people can feel more connected to video game characters, or maybe even less? Leave a comment and let’s discuss whether or not people actually feel this way.