Mohammad Farraj
DMS 448
Blog Post 5
The beauty behind video games is that, as the player/consumer we get to decide how we can portray ourselves in these games. We as gamers are able to enter a world or simulation and essentially being anyone or anything we want. Examples include discussions from DMS 448, where the class had to download World of Warcraft and get a feel for the game. In doing so, the class was able to pick and design avatars that they saw fit for themselves. What was interesting and even fascinating about that discussion is that players design/create their avatars in a certain way. The reason supporting this, is because as they enter this alter world/reality their characters are created but their desires are reflected in their avatars. What this means is that players avatars are a reflection of what they want to essentially be in the real world or shows how they are drawn to the game itself. For an example, players who are tired of playing as humans in video games could be drawn to a game because they have the option to becoming a mutant. This shows how they are drawn into the game and how their interests are expressed. Thus having a foundation of understanding of the motives behind why players design their avatars a certain way. In the text, “He Could Be A Bunny For All I Care”, written by Shaw, supports the motive to why players design their avatars in a certain way.
In the text, Shaw states how the alternate realities in video games attract players and motives them to make their unique avatars. In the text she states, “Some of my interviewees said that digital games’ interactive prop-erties made them feel more connected with their characters” (Shaw 99). What this shows is that, during these interviews, gamers were pulled into by the idea of how items can be apart of their avatar. To analyze this even further, when it came to digital games, gamers felt that the ability to use certain props provided a unique feeling to the game and their avatar. By doing so, this will have a butterfly effect on both the game company and game community. The reason behind this is because ultimately the common factor is success due to the publicity and sales of the game. Also, in doing so, this effect will provide players to expose each other to new avatar ideas. Analyzing this quote from my personal experience, I as a gamer enjoy having as many options given to me. In any game that allows me to do so, I want to stand out in a way that is not only appealing to me but my peers as well. I feel that more game developers should take this into consideration because it will not only inspire creativity within the gaming community but other companies as well. Overall, Shaw did a good job in helping us understand why gamers are attracted to different kinds of avatars.
WORK CITED PAGE
Shaw, Adrienne. He Could Be A Bunny Rabbit For All I Care!
DMS 448 Spring 2020 