When you play a game, are you supposed to feel like yourself?

Or are you supposed to feel like someone else?

From silent heroes like Link and Pokémon trainers to iconic voiced characters like Geralt, Lara Croft, Kratos, and Commander Shepard, video games immerse us in very different ways depending on who we're controlling.

In this episode of Lore & Order, we explore one of gaming's most fascinating design questions: Why do silent and voiced protagonists create such different emotional experiences?

Because whether we're projecting ourselves onto a blank slate hero or stepping into the shoes of a fully realised character, games give us a unique opportunity to explore identity, empathy, and who we are.

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Articles referenced in episode:

The Psychology of Zelda: Linking Our World to the Legend of ...