Abstract:

Virtual avatar is a virtual self-presentation for player in video game. By manipulating avatars, players can play different roles and have new identities. As a projection and display of the real self, the avatar will affect individual’s self-identity and bring about changes in the real self. Recent studies have shown that manipulating avatars for behavioral and identity simulation in video games can affect players’ self-concepts. With respect to this issue, we first reviewed relevant theories which explain the reasons why avatar affect self-concept from different perspectives. Next, variables such as avatar clues, video game characteristics, and personal factors which moderate the relationship between avatar and self-concept were analyzed. Then, Its mechanism such as self presence and avatar identification were discussed. Future research will focus on the deep and long-term effects of avatar on self-concept, the interactive influence of avatar image and behavior, and the impact of self-concept change caused by avatar on real behavior.

Key words: Video Game, virtual avatar, self-concept, psychological mechanism