In What Ways Does The Interactivity In Video Games Influence Players' Empathy Towards Characters Compared To Characters In Films?
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Introduction
Video games have emerged as a significant storytelling medium, providing players with unique interaction opportunities with characters that traditional films struggle to achieve. This level of interactivity profoundly influences players' perceptions and empathy towards characters, leading to an unparalleled emotional engagement in their gaming experiences.
The Impact of Video Game Interactivity on Empathy
In the realm of video games, interactivity transforms players into active participants in the narrative rather than mere spectators. When players' choices directly affect a character's fate, it fosters a personal connection that traditional media cannot replicate. For instance, the decisions players make can lead to varying outcomes, ensuring they feel deeply invested in the character's journey and enhancing their emotional connection and empathy. Unlike films, which present a linear narrative crafted by filmmakers, games allow for a dynamic storytelling experience. This distinction is underscored by examples such as:
- In titles like 'The Last of Us', players assume the role of Joel, experiencing his decisions and their repercussions, which cultivates a deeper emotional bond.
- Conversely, viewing characters in impactful films like 'Schindler's List' allows viewers to feel empathy through powerful storytelling, yet it does not mandate personal involvement from them.
Empathy in Gaming Compared to Film
Numerous video games are explicitly designed to enhance empathy through player choices, a feature that films cannot authentically replicate. Here are some prominent examples that showcase this phenomenon:
- In 'Life is Strange', players navigate decisions that affect both relationships and outcomes, compelling them to contemplate their own morals and ethical frameworks.
- In 'Detroit: Become Human', players control numerous androids, experiencing their challenges and societal oppression, which fosters a deeper empathy and understanding for their struggles.
Conclusion
In summary, the interactivity inherent in video games cultivates a unique form of engagement that significantly enhances players’ empathy towards characters compared to the passive experience offered by films. By involving players in crucial decision-making and enabling them to influence the unfolding narrative, video games forge robust emotional connections that often exceed those formed through traditional film viewing.
Expert Quote
Dr. David Ewalt, Game Studies Researcher and Writer
Video games uniquely engage players by allowing them to actively participate in a narrative, fostering a sense of empathy that can surpass what we usually experience in other media, such as films. This interactivity encourages players to reflect on their own values and decisions in relation to the characters' experiences.
Book: 'How Video Games Impact Empathy and Society', 2020
Relevant Links
Participation vs. Witnessing: An Examination of Video Games ...
https://epiloguegaming.com/participation-vs-witnessing-an-examination-of-video-games/Use empathy rather than sympathy to connect with your players : r ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/gamedev/comments/rhegve/use_empathy_rather_than_sympathy_to_connect_with/Storytelling in Games as compared to Film | UX Collective
https://uxdesign.cc/storytelling-in-games-as-compared-to-film-how-cinematography-interaction-and-narrative-design-f8280ba2b309Character-based storytelling is impossible in a game that offers real ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/truegaming/comments/1ad85s/characterbased_storytelling_is_impossible_in_a/"The Importance of Play: Identification with Video Game Characters ...
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