As a game developer, you understand the importance of creating engaging and immersive characters that resonate with your target audience.
But what happens when you’re trying to create a character that perfectly embodies your vision, but it just doesn’t feel right? Or maybe you have an idea for a character, but you’re not sure how to make them unique and memorable?
Fear not! In this guide, we will explore various techniques and strategies that can help game developers create characters that are both engaging and relatable.
We’ll delve into the psychology of human behavior and emotions, examine case studies from popular games, and provide practical tips on how to bring your characters to life. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of how to create video game characters that truly connect with your players.
Understanding Human Behavior and Emotions
Before we dive into the world of video games, let’s take a moment to understand the basics of human behavior and emotions. According to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, humans have five basic needs: physiological, safety, love and belongingness, esteem, and self-actualization.
Physiological Needs
Characters who are driven by these needs tend to be motivated by their physical well-being and may exhibit behaviors such as hunger or thirst.
Safety Needs
Characters who are driven by safety needs tend to be cautious and risk-averse, and may exhibit behaviors such as fear or anxiety.
Love and Belongingness Needs
Characters who are driven by these needs tend to be empathetic and caring, and may exhibit behaviors such as compassion or altruism.
Esteem Needs
Characters who are driven by esteem needs tend to be competitive and achievement-oriented, and may exhibit behaviors such as arrogance or vanity.
Self-Actualization Needs
Characters who are driven by these needs tend to be creative and innovative, and may exhibit behaviors such as curiosity or rebellion.
Case Studies: Bringing Video Game Characters to Life
1. Master Chief in Halo
Master Chief is the protagonist of the Halo series, and his character embodies several key traits of human behavior and emotions. Driven by a need for survival (physiological needs), he is willing to risk his life to protect others, even if it means sacrificing himself. He also exhibits safety needs by being cautious and strategic in battle.
Additionally, he has an innate sense of duty and loyalty, which can be seen as love and belongingness needs. Overall, Master Chief’s character is relatable because he embodies the classic hero archetype, making him a beloved figure among Halo fans.
2. Geralt of Rivia in The Witcher 3
Geralt of Rivia is the main protagonist in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and his character is driven by a need for self-actualization (esteem needs). He is a skilled fighter and hunter, and takes pride in his abilities. However, he also exhibits safety needs by being cautious and strategic in battle, which helps him survive against dangerous monsters and enemies.
His love and belongingness needs are also evident as he seeks to protect those he cares about, including his adoptive daughter Ciri. Overall, Geralt’s character is relatable because he embodies the classic anti-hero archetype, making him a beloved figure among The Witcher 3 fans.
3. Bioshock Infinite’s Booker DeWitt and Elizabeth
In Bioshock Infinite, Booker DeWitt and Elizabeth are two characters with very different motivations and personalities.
Driven by a need for survival (physiological needs), Booker is willing to do whatever it takes to escape from the city of New Columbia and find redemption for his past sins. He exhibits safety needs by being cautious and strategic in battle, but he also has an innate sense of loyalty to his fellow citizens.