'But they're my avatar: Examining character attachment to android avatars in Quantic Dream's Detroit: Become Human
Abstract
This study examines how players describe their rationale behind decisions made during gameplay of Detroit Become Human and how responses may coincide with character attachment (CA). Semi-structured interviews were conducted to examine the presence of character attachment and how it may lead to the player’s understanding of their gameplay choices. Both the emotions (or lack of) of the avatar and strategizing about gameplay emerged as two central themes. Results are discussed in light of human-robot interaction based on popular media.
Matthew J. A. Craig
Assistant Professor of Computer-Mediated Communication
Matthew Craig is an Assistant Professor of Computer-Mediated Communication in the School of Communication, Journalism, and Media at Central Michigan University (CMU) and lab faculty with the Communication and Social Robotics Labs (COMBOTLABS). Before CMU, Matthew was the inaugural College of Communication and Information Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Information Integrity Institute at Tennessee’s flagship university, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (Dr. Catherine Luther, Faculty Mentor). Matthew’s research interests are in human-machine communication and new media, focusing on the intersections of human-machine communication, privacy management, and society.