Are you playing the characters, or are they playing you? — The power of role-playing in shaping identity

Role-playing games (RPGs) have long been enjoyed by players worldwide as they allow players to immerse themselves in the fictional world, but what would happen if the boundaries between players and characters blurred? Kjell Hedgard Hugaas’ research, published in the International Journal of Role-Playing (Issue 14), analyzes this fascinating phenomenon, often referred to as “bleed.” This research not only introduces a structured conceptual model for bleed but also explores how such interactions can transform a player’s sense of self and identity.

So, what is bleed? At its simplest, bleed is the two-way street between a player and their character. Bleed-in happens when the player’s traits, emotions, or ideas seep into their character. Bleed-out is the reverse—when the character influences the player. For example, imagine playing a bold, heroic character and feeling more confident in real life; or, playing someone more reserved, which might make you second-guess yourself in the real world. Key types of bleed include emotional bleed (feelings crossing between player and character), memetic bleed (transfer of ideas and beliefs), and procedural bleed (physical and motor skills influence). When these bleed types overlap, they create experiences that can significantly affect a player’s identity—what Hugaas calls “identity bleed,” where the player’s sense of self starts to shift because of their role-playing experience.

Central to Hugaas’s model is the idea of the “Bleed Perception Threshold.” This is the point at which a player becomes aware of bleed—some players notice it all the time, while others claim it’s never happened to them. Hugaas suggests that the threshold varies from person to person, influenced by factors such as emotional intensity, game design, and personal disposition. Even if players aren’t consciously aware of it, bleed can still subtly influence their persona. It’s like having an invisible hand guiding your identity, without you even realizing it. And here’s where it gets really interesting: RPGs aren’t just about exploring fantasy worlds; they give players the freedom to experiment with aspects of their real-world identity. Want to test out a different personality or try on a completely different life situation? RPGs can provide the space to do just that. And over the time, players learn new skills, broaden their knowledge, and sometimes even reevaluate their entire worldview.

All of these can be translated into personal growth. Hugaas suggests that role-playing games may be used to promote emotional and cognitive development. The concept of alibi, where players are not held accountable for their character’s actions, helps reduce the pressure of identity defenses. This means that players can explore aspects of their emotions and identity without worrying about being judged. This freedom is more than just fun—it’s transformative. Exploring unfamiliar parts of themselves helps players become more self-aware, increases their self-complexity (basically a richer understanding of who they are), and boosts their resilience and mental well-being.

If you’re creating RPGs, understanding bleed is like learning a cheat code for meaningful game design. Hugaas points out the necessity of balancing game mechanics, narrative design, and player interaction to optimize the opportunity for identity development while maintaining a safe and supportive environment. And no, you don’t need a degree in psychology to make it happen, just thoughtful design and a little empathy for your players. Designers, for example, can create scenarios that force players to confront moral dilemmas, push their limits, or interact in ways that reveal new aspects of their personalities.

In the end, the worlds we create in games don’t just stay there. They ripple outward, changing how we see ourselves and interact with the world. Whether you’re a player or a designer, Hugaas’s work reminds us of the profound potential in every game we play.

Original article: Hugaas, K. H. (2024). Bleed and Identity: A Conceptual Model of Bleed and How Bleed-out from Role-playing Games Can Affect a Player’s Sense of Self. International Journal of Role-Playing, 15, 9–35. https://doi.org/10.33063/ijrp.vi15.323

Photo: Screenshot from Undertale, taken by Dan Vu.

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A student fueled by energy drinks and a game enthusiast drawn to sandbox and RPG games. Busy exploring the deeper cultural meaning of virtual chickens.