Parasocial Interactions in Otome Games: Emotional Engagement and Parasocial Intimacy Among Chinese Female Players

Hao Gao, Ruoqing Guo and Qingqing You
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Hao Gao: School of Journalism and Communication, Nanjing Normal University, China
Ruoqing Guo: School of Journalism and Communication, Nanjing Normal University, China
Qingqing You: Television School, Communication University of China, China

Media and Communication, 2025, vol. 13

Abstract: This study conducts qualitative research on female players of otome games, exploring the mechanisms of romantic relationship formation within these games and their impact on perceptions of real-life intimate relationships. The findings reveal that the parasocial romantic relationships formed in otome games are not entirely detached from reality; instead, they are embedded in daily life through game interaction mechanisms and the players’ internalized imagination, thereby influencing the reconstruction of real-life intimate relationships. Female players show a high degree of acceptance and immersion in these romantic relationships, focusing on the emotional support provided by male characters. These relationships play a positive role in fulfilling emotional needs, regulating negative emotions, constructing self-identity, and redefining perceptions of intimacy. The intangibility of physical contact remains the only significant shortcoming, as perceived by a minority of players, pointing to a primary direction for the future development of otome games.

Keywords: emotional feedback; otome games; parasocial relationships; parasocial romantic relationships; video games; self-perception (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cog:meanco:v13:y:2025:a:8662

DOI: 10.17645/mac.8662

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