Me, My Virtual-Self and I

This book explores the extent to which immersion and
interaction with an avatar a virtual character in
a game can influence the user's/player s
perceptions of self-identity. The argument pivots on
whether these avatars are simply tools, entry points
into virtual worlds, or whether they are more complex
extensions of the user s personality and, if so, to
what extent they may influence the ways in which we
behave, perform and perceive ourselves in everyday
life.

The focus remains on online multiplayer role-playing
games because of the stigma that surrounds them and
their engrossing characteristics. These desktop forms
of virtual reality allow players to invent a
character and play out a fantasy life in an expansive
virtual environment. Whilst playing these virtual
environment games, do players play as themselves or
someone else? Is there any significance in the
relationship between the player and their virtual
counterpart? The theoretical methodology used in this
book makes it an ideal research support tool for
anyone studying, or interested in, engagement with
interactive media and virtual realities.

Autorentext

Andrew J. Cardy, studied Television Production at BournemouthUniversity (UK) where he explored the theoretical notionssurrounding mediated self-identity. His University research hasamounted to this publish work.

Klappentext

This book explores the extent to which immersion andinteraction with an 'avatar' - a virtual character ina game - can influence the user's/player'sperceptions of self-identity. The argument pivots onwhether these avatars are simply tools, entry pointsinto virtual worlds, or whether they are more complexextensions of the user's personality and, if so, towhat extent they may influence the ways in which webehave, perform and perceive ourselves in everydaylife. The focus remains on online multiplayer role-playinggames because of the stigma that surrounds them andtheir engrossing characteristics. These desktop formsof virtual reality allow players to invent acharacter and play out a fantasy life in an expansivevirtual environment. Whilst playing these virtualenvironment games, do players play as themselves orsomeone else? Is there any significance in therelationship between the player and their virtualcounterpart? The theoretical methodology used in thisbook makes it an ideal research support tool foranyone studying, or interested in, engagement withinteractive media and virtual realities.