NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION
IN
VIDEO GAME
SPACES
ABSTRACT
The combined virtual space held within video games has grown far beyond that of our physical environment. Within these virtual spaces users by the millions engage with each other in a vast network of distinct virtual communities. Though verbal communication is the norm in physical spaces, within the virtual space such communication is not always assured.
Nonverbal communication in the virtual space of video games is critical to expressing a variety of thoughts and feelings via digital means.
In the physical world our various means of gesticulation are unlimited, but in the virtual world; game design prescribes and controls how communications are expressed. Despite the restrictions of digital design, nonverbal communication in the virtual realm has evolved into a complexly choreographed cultural dance that beckons endless exploration.
TOPIC
INTRODUCTION
This thesis aims to explore nonverbal communications as they exist in video games. The past three decades have seen video games grow both in regards to technological achievement and overall usership. Video game spaces, once archaic looking and limited, can now be viewed in beautiful high fidelity, and the virtual space within video games now exceeds our physical world in terms of size. Along with these technological advancements have come vast numbers of new users. Younger generations in particular are flocking to video game spaces as locations not just for play, but for community.
As the communities within video game spaces grow so do the cultures within these spaces. Cultures within video games exist on multiple levels. There is the culture surrounding video games as a whole, the distinct cultures that are tied to individual video games, and the specific culture that is localized within any video game space. Developments and changes in any one of these cultural formations have impacts on the others, creating a complex societal web.
The cultural complexity surrounding video games will be the focus of this thesis’ interrogations. Nonverbal communication is an expansive and unique form of interaction and expression within video game spaces.
As the communities within video game spaces grow so do the cultures within these spaces. Cultures within video games exist on multiple levels. There is the culture surrounding video games as a whole, the distinct cultures that are tied to individual video games, and the specific culture that is localized within any video game space. Developments and changes in any one of these cultural formations have impacts on the others, creating a complex societal web.
The cultural complexity surrounding video games will be the focus of this thesis’ interrogations. Nonverbal communication is an expansive and unique form of interaction and expression within video game spaces.
Nonverbal communication in video game spaces bears similarities to nonverbal communication in physical space, yet it has grown a rich and distinctive life of its own in the virtual world. Nonverbal communication in video games is informed by intentional design on the part of game developers, but it is also heavily influenced by the unintentional and inventive ways in which users take advantage of game design for nonverbal communication.
Nonverbal communication is an ideal lens through which interaction, expression and the culture of video games can be explored. How nonverbal communication is utilized in ways internationally and unintentionally informed by design. How nonverbal communication allows for individual expression. And how nonverbal communication informs the culture of video games on small and large scales, are all questions which will be investigated in this thesis. What we find may ultimately have impacts on all our worlds be they physical, or virtual.
Nonverbal communication is an ideal lens through which interaction, expression and the culture of video games can be explored. How nonverbal communication is utilized in ways internationally and unintentionally informed by design. How nonverbal communication allows for individual expression. And how nonverbal communication informs the culture of video games on small and large scales, are all questions which will be investigated in this thesis. What we find may ultimately have impacts on all our worlds be they physical, or virtual.
RESEARCH
QUESTIONS
> How is game design taken advantage of to engage in nonverbal communication in intended and unintended ways?
> How does nonverbal communication impact representation and personal expression in video games?
> How does nonverbal communication affect the culture of individual video games, video game spaces, and video games as a whole?