The Hegelian Dialectic can explain the process through which game players indentify with avatars. This theory has 3 elements: Thesis, Antithesis, and synthesis. The thesis is a single idea or intellectual proposition. This can be connected with individual gamer; their original personality and ego. The Antithesis is everything conflicting with the thesis. This is the actual avatar; the character that the gamer is not. The final piece is the synthesis, or the combination of the prior two. This is the molding and blending of the gamer and the avatar.
Similarities
There are several ways in which gamers create this connection with avatars. Gamers often begin to identify with their avatars for several reasons. Identification plays an essential role in the connection between gamer and avatar. The avatar may have experienced a tough life, revealed through the narration of story or plot. If a gamer has experienced a life without a father, similar to the avatar in the game he or she is playing, the gamer may have a strong connection with the character because they believe they have a shared experience. This identification may increase the persons desire to be like or behave like they think the avatar would.
Similarity is another element that can explain the connection between gamer and avatar. If the avatar exhibits similar physical qualities as the gamer, the gamer may feel a stronger identification with the avatar. Bandura observed that if the gamer begins to connect similarities with the avatar, they might be more inclined to imitate behavior or looks.
Value Homophily is the concept that the gamer and avatar share values, attitudes or beliefs. This concept assumes that the virtual avatar has morals and judgment ability. The gamer may connect with an avatar who may represents good or evil, depending on their likes and beliefs.
Ownership identification is arguable the most significant concept that relates to this theory. Often, in many games the gamer is able to create and mold an avatar. Players are able to manipulate height, weight, muscle, hair, eye color, etc. In some games, players spend hours upon hours creating and changing their avatars to their personal liking. This identification process is the gamer relating to an avatar through the process of creation and customization. The gamer is often able to see themselves within the avatar in which they created. By creating something relevant to the game play, the gamer may experience an increased involvement in the game. They have something greater at stake than they had originally.
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