Understanding Flow, Identification with Game Characters and Players’ Attitudes

Abstract

Research has shown that serious games can influence players’ attitudes, often based on either flow experience or identification with game characters. Studies showed that identification with game characters resulted in players aligning their view with the game characters. However, very little is done about the influence of identification with non-player characters (NPCs) on attitudes. Flow state, which is influenced by the balance of challenge and skill, is another contributing factor to players’ attitudes. However, the relationships among challenge, skill, and attitudes are inconclusive. To address the two research gaps, this study examines the relationships among challenge, skill, flow, identification with multiple game characters, and the impact on players’ attitudes toward immigrants. Fifty-six adult participants were invited to play the game Papers, Please and responded to a pre-game and a post-game questionnaire. Results showed that identification with both player character and NPCs significantly predicted post-game attitude toward immigrants, but in different ways. Perceived flow did not predict post-attitude. Perceived flow and challenge positively predicted identification with only the player character. Research and game design implications are discussed.