Identification and Parasocial Relations in Esport Game Characters

Abstract

This study explores the appeal of esports games from the perspective of characters. It analyzes how players perceive the attractiveness of characters in esports games and examines how players develop identification and parasocial relationships with these characters. The analysis reveals that characters in esports games possess complex functions, and players evaluate them based on practical configurations, narrative settings, and audiovisual elements. Furthermore, it was found that players derive sensory pleasure through characters and develop identification or parasocial relationships with them influenced by their own experiences and social factors.