The Imago Effect: Avatar Psychology

Speakers: Harvey Smith

Track: Game Design

Format: Lecture

Experience Level: Intermediate

Description: The Imago Effect: Avatar Psychology Creating an in-game representation often holds a strange fascination for players; for some games, we spend more time crafting our avatars than we do playing. How should writers share character creation, one of the sacred pillars of fiction? On the surface, player-driven character creation seems simple. This session explores the notion that there's much more going on in the player's mind, taking a look into the ways we let our audience engage in self-expression through avatar. Do players really want the game's authorial voice to wholly abdicate creative control of the protagonist? The session will cover associated issues and questions, spelling out various approaches to character creation, using examples from classic and recent games. The session will provide commentary on development considerations, statistical concept test results, and (perhaps foolishly) predictions about the future of game avatars.

Idea Takeaway: Attendees will gather insight into the role of character creation in the dialogue between game designer (or writer) and player. The audience will be able to take away statistical and anecdotal information related to the evolution of in-game avatars.

Intended Audience: Game designers, writers and creative directors will benefit from this talk, whether working on single or multiplayer titles, as well as genre or experimental games.