Benefits of personality disorder traits in game character design
Sunik, Alina (2025)
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025052616157
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025052616157
Tiivistelmä
This thesis focuses on the psychological aspects of character design. The aim of the studies conducted in this paper was to explore the possibility of including character traits present in personality disorders into a game character’s design. In addition, possible benefits of it are discussed.
Qualitative methods were used to study the available materials on the topics of personality disorders, immoral character traits and player engagement. First, a contextual study was conducted in order to collect information relevant to the topics. Secondly, three case studies were conducted in order to investigate the personality aspects of the selected immoral game characters. Finally, the results of the case studies and the information collected in the contextual study were analysed through the method of comparative analysis in order to find possible correlations between the studied characters’ personalities and traits present in personality disorders.
The studies showed that the application of traits present in personality disorders may benefit a game character’s design by increasing the believability of the character. Game characters that include traits present in personality disorders have the potential to be more realistic and, thus, engaging. Additionally, there is a possibility of raising awareness of personality disorders in the players that engage with such game characters. Game characters designed with the inclusion of personality disorder traits may also aid with the promotion of diversity in the video game industry.
Qualitative methods were used to study the available materials on the topics of personality disorders, immoral character traits and player engagement. First, a contextual study was conducted in order to collect information relevant to the topics. Secondly, three case studies were conducted in order to investigate the personality aspects of the selected immoral game characters. Finally, the results of the case studies and the information collected in the contextual study were analysed through the method of comparative analysis in order to find possible correlations between the studied characters’ personalities and traits present in personality disorders.
The studies showed that the application of traits present in personality disorders may benefit a game character’s design by increasing the believability of the character. Game characters that include traits present in personality disorders have the potential to be more realistic and, thus, engaging. Additionally, there is a possibility of raising awareness of personality disorders in the players that engage with such game characters. Game characters designed with the inclusion of personality disorder traits may also aid with the promotion of diversity in the video game industry.