In-Game Avatar vs. Out-of-Game Self

In “Videogames, Avatars and Identity,” Zach Waggoner attempts to tackle some rather difficult questions, that I think all gamers regularly consider. He wants to know why we play video games and if they affect the development of our real-world identity. He admits the latter question  may be quite difficult, but questions many gamers, particularly those who play RPGs and finds out that while most people separate the concept of both their in-game and out-of-game identities, they are somewhat related. 

Waggoner’s question, “can video game play impact identity formation?” can be given a simple yes, but we should ask to what extent it is true. This question comes up in the news quite often when we see school shootings. Reporters are quick to ask whether the gunman had a history of playing violent video games. Sometimes yes, sometimes no. But does this affect their real-world identity or does their real-world identity affect their avatar? Waggoner gives examples of several gamers who are unable to play as an evil character. Even thought it is a video game, they still feel guilty. So, if people still react this way, how much of an effect could it really have on your reality? 

Personally, I can play a good character or an evil character. In Fable III, I murdered guards and ran from the law. Would I do this in real life? Not a chance. I’m one of the least violent people you will meet, but it sure was fun to pretend to have a different identity in game. What I mean to show with these examples is that while Waggoner’s respondents admit to sharing traits with their avatars, the question is, and probably always will, remain unanswered. We each play games differently and they affect us in contrasting ways. 

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