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Motivation and emotion/Book/2024/Role-playing games, motivation, and emotion

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Role-playing games, motivation and emotion:
How do role-playing games shape player emotions, motivation, and behaviour?

Overview

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Scenario:

Role playing games have exploded in popularity, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic hit. By stepping into the shoes of different characters, players either get to shape or create the story. It is wild how games can mess with your head, making you feel certain ways and pushing you to do things you would not normally. At the same time, your mindset can totally change how you play the games. This crazy connection between the player and the games shows how our motivation and emotions shape our choices, and how those choices, in turn, affect how we feel.

This chapter focuses on the relationship of role-playing games, motivation and emotion.

Focus questions:

  • What are role-playing games?
  • How do role-playing games influence players' sense of identity and self-concept?
  • How do role-playing games inspire players to reach their goals, both in the game and in real life?
  • What are the potential positive and negative effects of immersive role-playing experiences on players' mental and emotional well-being?

What are role-playing games?

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Figure 1. Dungeons and Dragons game (Tabletop RPGs)
  • In these games, players become characters in a made-up world. They make choices and take actions based on what their character can do, their personality, and their goals.
  • Typically, players each control one character, while a Game Master (GM) runs the game, tells the story, and keeps track of the rules (Zagal & Deterding, 2018).

Types of RPGs

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Tabletop RPGs

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These games use physical items like dice, rulebooks, and character sheets. Examples of these games are "Dungeons & Dragons" and "Pathfinder."

Video Game RPGs

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Figure 2. Final Fantasy battle example (Video Game RPGs)

These are digital games that often include rich storylines, character development, and exploration. Players control a character or a party of characters, interacting with the game world and completing quests. Examples include "The Elder Scrolls" series and "Final Fantasy."

Live Action Role-Playing (LARP)

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In LARP, players physically act out their character’s actions, often in costume, and with props, in a real-world setting. The narrative is typically driven by player interaction and the facilitation of game organizers.

Gameplay Mechanics

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  • Character Creation
  • Storytelling and Narrative
  • Exploration and Worldbuilding
  • Combat and Challenges
  • Progression and Character Development

How do role-playing games influence a player's sense of identity and self-concept?

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  • Players often project parts of their own personality onto their characters, creating an idealized or exaggerated version of themselves. RPGs give players the chance to explore different identities, which can challenge their self-view and broaden their understanding of who they are (Meriläinen, 2012).
  • Role-playing games often need players to think critically and be creative, which can enhance their self-perception as capable and resourceful individuals (Weigel & Rudnick, 2023).
  • By inhabiting different characters, players may develop a deeper understanding of others' perspectives and emotions.

Role-playing as a Tool for Self-Discovery

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Case study:

Emotional Reflection and Identity Formation

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The concept of "identity bleed" refers to the phenomenon where players' identities and their characters' identities influence each other (Bondi, 2023).

Case study:

Impact of In-Game Success on Self-Perception

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Case study:

How do role-playing games inspire players to reach their goals, both in the game and in real life?

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  • The mechanics of leveling up and acquiring new abilities create a tangible sense of progress, motivating players to continue striving for improvement. In-game rewards, such as treasure, equipment, or character enhancements, act as powerful incentives to achieve goals.

Motivational Mechanics in RPGs

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Case study:

Transfer of Motivation from Virtual to Real Life

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  • Encouraging players to think strategically and imaginatively helps them build problem-solving abilities that they may use in a variety of real-world situations.

Case study:

Emotional Rewards and Real-Life Goals

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  • Sharing experiences with friends or online communities can create lasting memories and a sense of belonging.

Case study:

What are the potential positive and negative effects of immersive role-playing experiences on players' mental and emotional well-being?

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Positive effects

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  • Bring players together in shared storytelling and collaborative worldbuilding, creating a sense of belonging and social connection (Baker, Turner, & Kotera, 2023).
  • A tool for personal growth, self-expression, and even therapy, allows players to explore different aspects of themselves and their relationships (Baker, Turner, & Kotera, 2023).

Negative effects

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  • Some players may use RPGs as a way to escape from real-life problems or stressors (Wang et al., 2021).
  • A strong desire for in-game advancement, power, and accumulation of wealth/status (achievement motivation) has been linked to increased gaming time, cognitive distortions about achievements, and negative affective symptoms (Wang et al., 2021).

In-Game vs. Real-Life Scenarios

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Case study:

Role-playing therapy

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Role-playing therapy, or psychodrama, is a type of therapy where people act out different situations to work through emotional or psychological issues. This often involves representing scenarios related to their fears, anxieties, or relationship problems (Ronning & Bjorkly, 2019).

In role-playing therapy, therapists may take on the role of challenging figures (e.g., authority figures or peers) to help clients confront their fears. By reenacting situations, clients can learn to manage their emotional responses, develop new ways of thinking and behaving and uncover forgotten memories that might be causing their problems

Case study:

When clients successfully role-play challenging scenarios, they gain confidence in their ability to handle difficult situations.

Conclusion

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  • Role-playing games (RPGs) can have a significant impact on motivation and emotion.
  • Role-playing games offer a unique potential for therapeutic applications, allowing individuals to explore different perspectives, develop empathy, and build self-confidence in a controlled and supportive environment.
  • By providing a structured environment for goal setting, achievement, and reward, RPGs can foster a mindset of perseverance and accomplishment that extends beyond the game itself.

See also

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References

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Baker, I. S., Turner, I. J., & Kotera, Y. (2023). Role-play Games (RPGs) for Mental Health (Why Not?): Roll for Initiative. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 21(6), 3901–3909. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-022-00832-y

Bondi, C. (2023). Finding Identity through Role-playing: A Case Study of the Pouflons Community. https://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-512395

Meriläinen, M. (2012). The self-perceived effects of the role-playing hobby on personal development: A survey report. International Journal of Role-Playing, (3), 49-68. http://dx.doi.org/10.33063/ijrp.vi3.224

Ronning, S. B., & Bjorkly, S. (2019). The use of clinical role-play and reflection in learning therapeutic communication skills in mental health education: an integrative review. Advances in Medical Education and Practice, 10, 415–425. https://doi.org/10.2147/amep.s202115

Wang, H.-Y., & Cheng, C. (2022). The Associations Between Gaming Motivation and Internet Gaming Disorder: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JMIR Mental Health, 9(2), e23700–e23700. https://doi.org/10.2196/23700

Wang, L., Li, J., Chen, Y., Chai, X., Zhang, Y., Wang, Z., Tan, H., & Gao, X. (2021). Gaming Motivation and Negative Psychosocial Outcomes in Male Adolescents: An Individual-Centered 1-Year Longitudinal Study. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 743273–743273. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.743273

Weigel, S., & Rudnick, J. (2023). The Use and Importance of Gaming and Roleplay in Identity Negotiation. Communication and Theater Association of Minnesota Journal, 46(1), 8. https://doi.org/10.56816/2471-0032.1161

Zagal, J. P., & Deterding, S. (2024). Definitions of “Role-Playing Games.” In The Routledge Handbook of Role-Playing Game Studies (1st ed., pp. 21–55). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003298045-3

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