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Abstract

This project and its research focus on the aesthetics of video game characters and the affect differing levels of realism have on a person’s relationship and aesthetic appeal to that video game character. This project also explores the fundamental understanding of human recognition and how that relates to the appeal. Humans are predisposed to recognise the intricacies of the face and body, to read and identify expression and emotion, but more importantly, to distinguish irregularities or problems in another person (Russel, 1997). This draws the hypothesis that a non-perfect, near humanlike character will invoke a negative response in an audience, negatively affecting that character’s appeal, while a purposefully non-realistic, stylized character will be met with a positive response and positive appeal. The artefact for this study tested 16 individual’s responses to a semi realistic character and a stylized character based on the same archetypal male design. The results of which contradict the hypothesis, but a more in-depth analysis of appeal towards humanoid characters Is needed to frame these findings.

Course: Computer Games Technology - BSc (Hons) - C1671

Date Deposited: 2022-02-11

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis13786.html