The video game experience as 'true' identification: A theory of enjoyable alterations of players' self-perception

C. Klimmt, D. Hefner, P.A. Vorderer

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

This article introduces an explication of video game players' identification with a game character or role that is based on social-psychological models of self-perception. Contrasting with conventional ("dyadic" ) notions of media user-character relationships (e.g., parasocial interaction or affective disposition theory), ("monadic" ) video game identification is defined as a temporal shift of players' self-perception through adoption of valued properties of the game character. Implications for media enjoyment, the measurement of identification, and media effects are discussed. © 2009 International Communication Association.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)351-373
Number of pages23
JournalCommunication Theory
Volume19
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009

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