Agenda
Why Fans Go Feral
Ashley Guajardo (Assistant Arts Professor, NYU Game Center)
Jess Tompkins (Principal UX Research, Wizards of the Coast)
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Track:
Culture & Sustainability, Marketing
Audience Level:
Intermediate
Format:
Lecture
Vault Recording: TBD
Audience Level: Intermediate
What makes fans go absolutely feral for a videogame character? This short lecture presents research about fandom obsessions that make games and characters go viral. The core idea is that attraction is expressed through sexual content, romantic content, and content about collective desire. While no one can predict with absolute certainty how fans will react to a game or character, this presentation summarizes narrative and character inclusive design strategies that can inspire 'feral' fans to make viral social media content. While all genders and sexualities are represented in this talk, a particular emphasis is placed on queer interpretations as they are often underrepresented in the games themselves.
Takeaway
After attending this talk, the audience will walk away with a better understanding of what makes fans go feral with the goal of using this information to enhance, or avoid, certain development and marketing strategies.
Intended Audience
The target audience for this talk are developers (and fans!) interested in hearing the science behind viral thirst traps and how marginalized fans express desire for videogame characters.