Inhabiting Other Bodies – Animal Characters and Avatars

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18778/2391-8551.10.04

Keywords:

animal studies, phenomenology, animal games, avatar, PC, game studies, embodiment

Abstract

This article explores the significance of phenomenological perspectives for animal games, as defined by Gunnar Eggertsson, in which the player’s character is meant to signal an animal. Using examples from games like Stray, Shelter 2, and Endling – Extinction is Forever, which treat animals as fully-fledged protagonists, I demonstrate how animal characters and avatars affect the gaming experience and broader human-animal relations outside of gameplay. The goal of this inquiry is to understand whether games can bring us closer to a better understanding of the animal Other by simulating its experiences and perspectives. This study utilizes the perspectives of critical animal studies and phenomenological philosophy to provide a deeper description and understanding of human players’ interactions with animal characters. It emphasizes the role of embodiment in shaping a transformative gameplay experience.

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Published

2024-12-13

How to Cite

Mazur, E. (2024). Inhabiting Other Bodies – Animal Characters and Avatars. Replay. The Polish Journal of Game Studies. https://doi.org/10.18778/2391-8551.10.04

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Section

Articles