Which character do you choose? Influence of character attachment and female representation on players’ enjoyment in video games

In the realm of digital entertainment, video games have evolved from simple pastimes into a complex cultural phenomenon. This research delves into the dynamics of player enjoyment within video games, particularly examining the roles of character attachment and female representation. The portrayal of female characters in video games has long been critiqued for perpetuating stereotypes and marginalizing women within gaming narratives. Despite advancements, issues persist regarding the portrayal of roles available to female characters. Simultaneously, character attachment posits that players' emotional bonds with in-game characters significantly shape their gaming experiences. This thesis addresses the question: "To what extent is players' enjoyment with video games influenced by character attachment and the lack of representative female characters?" A quantitative approach was adopted, using a survey to collect data gathered from diverse platforms. Key findings show the pivotal role of character attachment in shaping player enjoyment. Identification with in-game characters emerged as a predictor of enjoyment, highlighting the immersive and emotional depth that players derive from their interactions within game worlds. Factors such as suspension of disbelief, control, and responsibility showed insignificant impact on enjoyment, challenging previous assumptions about their centrality in gaming experiences. It suggests that while these elements contribute to the immersive experience, they do not independently drive enjoyment to the same extent as character attachment. Regarding female representation, the study revealed that despite widespread concerns about stereotypical depictions, the direct influence of these portrayals on enjoyment was minimal. Female representation did not significantly predict players' overall enjoyment levels, suggesting that while cultural and ethical concerns remain, they may not directly affect players’ enjoyment within gaming contexts. While players and critics often call for better representation of women in games, these improvements do not necessarily enhance the enjoyment of the gaming experience for most players. The study also explored the role of gamer identity in shaping enjoyment. Findings indicate that the strength of an individual's gamer identity, particularly among heavy gamers who spend between 12-21 hours per week gaming, significantly influences their enjoyment levels. This category of gamers consistently reported higher enjoyment compared to casual or hardcore gamers, suggesting that a balanced engagement with gaming activities fosters greater enjoyment.