Umeå universitets logga

In today's digital society, digital games have become an increasingly integrated part of people's lives, offering entertainment, excitement, and new challenges. Games provide a playground where players can explore virtual environments and stories, forming emotional connections with characters akin to real-life relationships. Research has shown that men and women appreciate different aspects of games, with men often motivated by competition and achievement, while women tend to favor social aspects. Understanding how players of different genders emotionally connect with game characters is crucial for game developers to create immersive experiences for all players. This study aims to show differences and similarities in how players of different genders form emotional attachments to characters in digital games and how these attachments contribute to the gaming experience. Through qualitative interviews, factors influencing emotional attachment were explored, revealing similarities between genders. Findings from our study suggest that both genders value aspects like character depth, appearance, and realism in forming emotional bonds with game characters. The study contributes insights for game designers to craft characters that resonate emotionally with players, emphasizing the importance of creating characters that feel human and players can emotionally relate to. By understanding and incorporating these factors, game developers can enhance player engagement and motivation, fostering deeper emotional connections and enriching the gaming experience.