Character Design of Overwatch
Thompson, Maia (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025060921638
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025060921638
Tiivistelmä
The study explores how character design enhances player experience in the game Overwatch, a globally successful shooter game known for its strong visual identity and unique characters. The objective was to analyze and research how elements like visual aesthetics, gameplay, diversity and narrative influence player satisfaction and connection.
Research methods used include a combination of qualitative research and theory-based analysis. The theory base was created through qualitative review of various sources such as academic sources, articles and industry insights into the game and game design. This was paired with an empirical analysis of Overwatch’s character design, seeing how different design choices reflect the theoretical part. There was also a qualitative survey held among experienced players of the game picked from a large community, in order to gather feedback and real-life experience of the game and how players perceive the characters and their design, what aspects influence their choices and how design impacts their emotional connection to the game. The results from the feedback showed that well-designed characters significantly impact player immersion and connection to games. Through balancing gameplay, visual appeal and diversity the game resonates with a global audience. Players appreciate the attention to detail in narrative and traits of the characters, which then enhanced the emotional connection to the characters of Overwatch.
In conclusion, the research strengthens the idea that well thought out character design that includes strong, visually unique and diverse characters plays an important role in building player connection and enhances the overall game experience. These findings highlight the importance of character design as a powerful tool in game development as a whole, since it not only supports gameplay but also improves player satisfaction. As the industry grows and evolves, Overwatch can serve as a great example on how diverse, unique and inclusive design can create a long lasting impact on players and their gaming experience.
Research methods used include a combination of qualitative research and theory-based analysis. The theory base was created through qualitative review of various sources such as academic sources, articles and industry insights into the game and game design. This was paired with an empirical analysis of Overwatch’s character design, seeing how different design choices reflect the theoretical part. There was also a qualitative survey held among experienced players of the game picked from a large community, in order to gather feedback and real-life experience of the game and how players perceive the characters and their design, what aspects influence their choices and how design impacts their emotional connection to the game. The results from the feedback showed that well-designed characters significantly impact player immersion and connection to games. Through balancing gameplay, visual appeal and diversity the game resonates with a global audience. Players appreciate the attention to detail in narrative and traits of the characters, which then enhanced the emotional connection to the characters of Overwatch.
In conclusion, the research strengthens the idea that well thought out character design that includes strong, visually unique and diverse characters plays an important role in building player connection and enhances the overall game experience. These findings highlight the importance of character design as a powerful tool in game development as a whole, since it not only supports gameplay but also improves player satisfaction. As the industry grows and evolves, Overwatch can serve as a great example on how diverse, unique and inclusive design can create a long lasting impact on players and their gaming experience.