Philosophical and Hermeneutic Analysis of Videogame Player Identity

Abstract

The article is devoted to philosophical and hermeneutic analysis of videogame player identity. The purpose of the study is to reveal the general features of the videogame player identity, to distinguish it from gamer identity and to define common levels of its formation, on the basis of which the further methodology of videogame philosophy may be formed without stereotypical views. To achieve it, the classification and systematization, as well as the analysis and synthesis, applied to the identity concept in general and studies on gamer self-identity in particular, have been used. Considering player identity in hermeneutic terms, the authors have delineated the main levels of the player identity formation, namely: videogame preferences, manner of playing and character / personal profile identity. All this levels not only form player identity as an individual way to identify oneself, but also act as a ground for further creation of gamer identity.