THE GOOD, THE ETHICAL, AND THE CONTROVERSIAL: FORGING OF SELVES BY GENSHIN IMPACT GAMERS THROUGH PLAYING AND FAN INTERACTION

Abstract

This thesis considers how modern-day people navigate moral self-development through the example of Genshin Impact, a popular game released in 2020. I draw on interviews with current and ex-players to understand how playing Genshin Impact and engaging with other fans facilitates their moral development. As gamers, they revealed what sparked joy, motivated them to continue playing, and their reactions to the game s moral content. As fans, they shared their opinions, involvement and responses to other fans and topical conflicts they observed in fandom. I will use these findings to explore the modern moral landscape and the game as a space for moralisation. Next, I examine performance in fandom through fan conflicts, where fans clash over differing opinions, as they pursue moral development. Individuals are analysed through their positions as players, consumers, fans, performers, audience members and, overall, as modern moral persons. This thesis aims to challenge the conception of the modern moral landscape and person through the modern gamer and fan.