Abstract #2 Creating a Link: The Avatar and the Player - Identity and Learning in RPGs

In RPGs, the player takes on the role of key protagonist in the unfolding gameplay and back-story. A character’s physical appearance and personality traits though often pre-defined and pre-rendered, form a powerful bond between protagonist and player. Character development is central to RPG gameplay, and your character grows with you as you play, gaining new powers, weapons and knowledge.

The paper explores the often complex notions of identification that players generate with avatars in RPGs. Drawing on Link, the player-character in ‘The Legend of Zelda’ series, the paper explores the unfolding relationship created between the protagonist and the player in RPGs and looks at how this relationship could be harnessed for learning.

Labels: avatars, RPG, Zelda

posted by DS at Friday, April 10, 2009