Characters and Emotions in Games

Ben, Dave, Shanna, Brenda, Eben

Project Origin/Goal

• Exploring emotional impact in games (actual and potential)– Character– Emotions– Story

• Why?– Advance the medium

• Goal: Write a paper

How are we doing this?

• Brainstorming• Reading• Categorizing• Documenting (message board)

Angles

• Psychological• Educational• Traditional Media

• Game Design• Philosophical

• Improvisational• Dramatic• Social/Cultural• Many more…

Limiting our scope

• Criteria– 3D– Story/world-based– Player controls an individual character or small party

• Game Genres– RPG (online and offline)– FPS– 3rd Person Action/Adventure

Playing

• Playing games– Alone– Together

• Talking to other players (surveys)

Visit to EA

How are we proceeding?

• Honing in on thesis– Continuing research– Interviewing designers– Establishing dialogue with developers

– Begin to establish vocabulary

Granular Goals

• Comprehensive Paper– Synopsis

• Website/Forum• Presentation

– To Developers– Conferences– Publication

• Vocabulary

Goals

• Precedent for research• Lay groundwork for more ETC work in this realm– Continued research– Practical applications

What do we want from you?

• Feedback on our approach• Any resources/contacts• Other angles