In the continuously evolving landscape of digital entertainment, otome games have emerged as a significant cultural phenomenon, particularly among young adult women. These narrative-driven games, where players engage with romantic storylines through character interaction and decision-making, are not merely sources of entertainment but also complex psychological and social environments. A recent study published in BMC Psychology delves into an intriguing and understudied facet of otome game experiences: how players’ identification with game characters can influence their real-world mate selection criteria. This research offers a groundbreaking perspective on the intersection of virtual identity, emotional engagement, and romantic decision-making in contemporary digital culture.
Otome games typically center around a female protagonist navigating relationships with multiple male characters, each embodying distinct personality archetypes and narrative arcs. Players actively choose responses and paths that shape the outcomes of these relationships. Identification with these characters—defined as the psychological process whereby players adopt the perspective, emotions, and traits of a specific game character—plays a critical role in how players immerse themselves in the narrative. The study by Pei, Chen, Fan, and colleagues investigates precisely how this identification potentially extends beyond the virtual realm and reshapes players’ ideals and preferences in selecting romantic partners in their own lives.
At the core of this research lies the hypothesis that intense engagement with otome game characters can subtly recalibrate the cognitive and emotional frameworks through which players evaluate potential mates. This calibration occurs through repeated exposure to idealized traits and relational dynamics presented in the game, which may either reinforce or challenge pre-existing mate selection strategies. The investigation combines quantitative psychometric measures with qualitative interviews, ensuring a comprehensive analysis of the phenomenon. This dual-method approach allows the researchers to assess not only statistical correlations but also the nuanced, subjective experiences of players as they navigate both virtual and actual romantic landscapes.
Complex psychological theories underpin the study, including the concepts of parasocial interaction, narrative transportation, and self-concept extension. Parasocial interaction traditionally describes the one-sided relationships audiences form with media figures; here, it is expanded to include interactive characters whose responses and storylines evolve based on player choices. Narrative transportation refers to the immersive experience where players are cognitively and emotionally absorbed in the story world. Self-concept extension explores how individuals integrate aspects of external personas into their own identity schema, suggesting that frequent identification with game characters could subtly transform players’ self-perceptions and preferences.
Methodologically, the study engaged a representative sample of otome game players ranging from late adolescence to early adulthood. Participants underwent a series of psychological assessments measuring levels of character identification, attachment orientation, and mate preference priorities. Additionally, in-depth interviews explored participants’ reflections on how their experiences playing otome games had influenced their attitudes toward romantic relationships. This mixed-method design provided robust evidence for a dynamic relationship between virtual engagement and real-world psychosocial processes.
Results revealed a notable association between high levels of character identification and shifts in mate selection criteria. Specifically, players who intensely identified with particular otome characters demonstrated increased preference for traits embodied by those characters in their real-life romantic interests. For instance, a player strongly identifying with a mysterious, emotionally complex game character might prioritize emotional depth and introspection in a partner. This finding suggests that the virtual personas encountered in otome games act as prototypes or templates that players internalize and utilize in evaluating actual potential mates.
The implications of these findings are multifaceted, reflecting both the psychological impact of narrative digital media and the evolving nature of human mate selection in the age of immersive simulation. Traditionally, mate selection theories have emphasized biological, evolutionary, and sociocultural determinants. This study introduces digital identity and media engagement as potent new variables capable of shaping the human mating psychology. Such an insight opens avenues for reinterpreting the influence of popular culture on fundamental social behaviors, highlighting how virtual environments increasingly contribute to identity formation and interpersonal expectations.
Importantly, the research also identifies potential risks alongside these effects. For some players, deep involvement with idealized game characters may generate unrealistic or incompatible standards for real-world relationships, potentially leading to dissatisfaction or social withdrawal. Conversely, for others, the parasocial experiences may function as exploratory rehearsals, enabling players to develop greater emotional insight, empathy, and communication skills transferable to offline romance. This duality underscores the necessity of nuanced understanding when evaluating the psychological influence of digital role-playing games.
From a neurocognitive perspective, the study connects its findings to existing literature on mirror neuron activity, emotional regulation, and theory of mind in interactive media users. When players adopt a character’s viewpoint, neural circuits related to empathy and perspective-taking are activated, reinforcing the internalization of character traits. Over time, these neural patterns may contribute to shifting emotional priorities and attraction mechanisms. The study proposes future neuroscientific investigations to illuminate the biological substrates underpinning the observed behavioral changes.
Moreover, the research carries social and cultural significance by shedding light on the role of otome games in young women’s identity and relational development. Often dismissed as mere entertainment, these games operate as powerful socio-cultural texts that influence gender norms, romantic ideals, and interpersonal dynamics within contemporary society. The study’s results may encourage developers and educators to consider the psychological impact of the narratives and character designs embedded within such games, fostering more responsible creation and consumption of digital romance media.
This study also emphasizes the broader concept of media multiplicity in shaping human cognition and behavior. As the virtual and real increasingly converge through augmented reality and advanced gaming platforms, the boundaries between fictional identification and personal identity blur. The research anticipates that future social behaviors, especially relating to intimacy and connection, will be profoundly shaped by these interactive digital environments, with otome games as a salient exemplar of this trend.
In conclusion, Pei and colleagues’ investigation into how game character identification influences mate selection criteria unveils critical insights into the psychological power of digital narratives. It demonstrates that identity and preference formation are mutable processes, influenced not only by in-person interactions but also by immersive digital experiences. By recognizing otome games as more than escapism—as facilitators of emotional and identity work—this research enriches our understanding of digital culture’s role in personal development and social relationships.
As our world becomes increasingly mediated by virtual experiences, this study highlights the imperative for multidisciplinary research integrating psychology, media studies, neuroscience, and sociology. Exploring how interactive media reshape basic human motivations such as love and partnership promises to remain a vital frontier in contemporary science. Otome games, at the crossroads of fantasy and reality, provide a fascinating and fertile ground for such innovative inquiry.
Subject of Research: The psychological effects of game character identification on otome game players’ real-world mate selection criteria.
Article Title: The impact of game character identification on otome game players’ mate selection criteria.
Article References:
Pei, Q., Chen, Y., Fan, H. et al. The impact of game character identification on otome game players’ mate selection criteria.
BMC Psychol 13, 831 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-03154-5
Image Credits: AI Generated
