Human Performance Gaming CHI 2017, May 6–11, 2017, Denver, CO, USA Virtuosos on the Screen: Playing Virtual Characters Like Instruments in Competitive Super Smash Bros. Melee Colin M. Ford University of California, Irvine Irvine, CA, United States
[email protected] ABSTRACT backstory, and array of fighting techniques. In an effort to Previous research on virtual sociality in games suggests that describe the user’s relationship with pre-designed players use custom avatars to reflect, alter, and perform characters, some game studies scholars have moved away new identities in digital spaces. However, this study from the language of the avatar, theorizing virtual explores an alternative theory of social performance by characters instead as props, tools, or vehicles for player analyzing a competitive game, Super Smash Bros. Melee, manipulation of the game world [9, 46, 57]. In contrast to where players face off in timed matches and interact theories of the avatar or the vehicle, I posit that Melee through pre-designed characters. This study shows how players treat their characters as performative instruments, Melee players treat virtual characters as performative similar to musical instruments like the violin or the piano. instruments, similar to the violin or the piano. In forum This term underscores the expressive potential of a posts and player-created media, Melee players emphasize character-instrument as well as the practiced skills the need to train one’s hands, eyes, and mind in order to necessary to reach that potential. By considering virtual master a character’s complexity and express style and skills characters as expressive, demanding instruments, it in live matches.