Humans are social beings, and social connections are essential for our emotional well-being. People develop attachments with other people, pets, and even objects. We invest emotions and care into our relationships, and the same goes for the characters we come across in video games. Fictional characters in video games are a significant part of the gaming experience for players, and gamers often become attached to their favorite characters. The question arises, “Why do we get attached to fictional characters in video games?” Let’s explore the reasons behind this.
One of the primary reasons why people become attached to fictional characters in video games is that they relate to them. Players connect with a character’s personality, mannerisms, and backstory, and it can feel just as real as their own experiences. Video game characters often have relatable stories that reflect the human experience, such as facing loss, betrayal, or adversity. As players navigate fictional worlds, they find common ground with characters that share relatable experiences and situations. This deepens players’ emotional investment in the game and the characters.
Another reason why players get attached to fictional characters is that they offer a sense of companionship. Sometimes when playing a game, players can feel alone, and it’s the characters that keep them company. As players progress through the game, they spend more time with their favorite characters and begin to feel like they know them. Players may spend more time with these characters than they do with the people in their real-life, and this can make them feel connected on a deeper level.
Fictional character attachments also stem from the basic need for emotional support and validation. When players invest their time and energy in games, they seek an escape or outlet from their daily routines, problems, and stressors. Fictional characters provide a space for players to feel heard, seen, and validated. This emotional investment sometimes translates to players feeling protective of their favorite characters, trying to prevent them from harm, or even grieving their losses.
Finally, fictional characters in games offer a unique sense of control to players. Video game players have control over their characters and the decision they make throughout the game, which makes them feel empowered. As a result, players may feel attached to their characters because they are the ones who guide their gameplay and story.
In conclusion, video games undoubtedly provide an immersive and emotional experience for players. Fictional characters in video games offer relatable stories, companionship, emotional support, validation, and a sense of control for players. All of these factors contribute to players investing in characters, and eventually becoming attached to them in a way that resembles real-life relationships. Video games do not only offer entertainment, but they also fulfill our basic needs for social interaction, validation, and support. Fictional characters in games have become a new form of companionship connecting us with a world that’s not real, yet emotionally powerful.
