Online games characters, avatars, and identity

Digital games play an important role in identity construction by offering role models with whom players can identify and whose behavior they can imitate. Unlike traditional media, digital games support monadic identification implying a change in self-perception during gameplay. Two mechanisms underlie this mental association: perceived similarity and wishfulness, which is driven by the player's desire to be more like their avatar. According to self-discrepancy theory, identifying with a game character helps a player to feel closer to his or her ideal self and to reduce negative psychological tension. Games function as a virtual laboratory in which players can experiment with different aspects of their selves. Avatar creation can be guided by identity motives or instrumental concerns related to performance in the game. Identification with online groups such as guilds provides an additional motivational layer for engaging in identity play and developing an in-game social identity