FROM 2D CHARACTERS TO DIGITAL COMPANIONS:THE INTERNAL PSYCHOLOGICAL MECHANISMOF HOW EMOTIONAL BONDING BETW EENANIME GAME PLAYERS AND VIRTUALCHARACTERS INFLUE NCES THE IRCONTINUOUS PARTICIPATIONINTENTION

Abstract

This study investigates parasocial relations between players and virtual characters in anime-style games, exploring their evolution from perceived "two-dimensional figures" to "digital companions". Integrating parasocial relationship theory and self-determination theory, it examines how these evolving relations influence willingness to continue participating through the satisfaction of three basic psychological needs: perceived autonomy, perceived sense of achievement, and perceived sense of belonging, which serve as mediating variables. Based on social role theory, gender is included as a control variable to test potential gender differences. A questionnaire survey collected 220 valid responses. Results show that parasocial relations positively predict willingness to continue participating, with all three psychological needs mediating this effect. Gender does not significantly moderate any mediation paths. These findings enhance theoretical understanding of digital gaming user behavior and offer practical im