A3 Book section, Chapters in research books
Player Reception of Change and Stability in Character Mechanics (2022)

Välisalo, T., & Ruotsalainen, M. (2022). Player Reception of Change and Stability in Character Mechanics. In M. Ruotsalainen, M. Törhönen, & V.-M. Karhulahti (Eds.), Modes of Esports Engagement in Overwatch (pp. 67-86). Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-82767-0_5

JYU authors or editors

Välisalo, Tanja
Ruotsalainen, Maria

Publication details

All authors or editors: Välisalo, Tanja; Ruotsalainen, Maria

Parent publication: Modes of Esports Engagement in Overwatch

Parent publication editors: Ruotsalainen, Maria; Törhönen, Maria; Karhulahti, Veli-Matti

ISBN: 978-3-030-82766-3

eISBN: 978-3-030-82767-0

Publication year: 2022

Pages range: 67-86

Number of pages in the book: 229

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan

Place of Publication: Cham

Publication country: Switzerland

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-82767-0_5

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/80153

Abstract

Change is a constant element of online games, and Overwatch as well as its playable characters have been through multiple changes since the launch of the game in 2016. In this chapter, we examine the relationships players have with the playable characters of Overwatch and specifically the role that character mechanics have in these relationships. Changes to game characters are a topic of avid discussion in Overwatch communities and evoke articulations of the meaning of game characters for the players.

Keywords: online games; multiplayer games; game design; game characters; reception (comprehension); online communities; online discussion; transmedia; close reading