Are Customizable Characters Really Important?

GamerFitNation: It is always a big deal being able to customize a character in a game, but does it add anything to the game? In some games you don’t get to see much of your character. Other games have customization that is so minimal that it almost doesn’t matter. But in sports games the ability to create a character can add immense value, as you are able to add in almost anyone, ranging from complete caricatures of people, or even the player themselves.

[pr0t0typeknuckles]

Personally for me its very important,you can make your own character in your image,not every game should have it obviously but some openworld games and rpgs highly benefit from it imo.

[Xof]

Essentially, for any game where the player-character is a player-surrogate, customization is important.

In other words, games where you do not play as a set character.

The two examples that seem most appropriate today are, I think, The Legend of Zelda and Mario, as in both cases the "character" of the protagonist is very much a blank-slate, yet players are given zero customization--which, even though these games--particularly the Zelda series where Link is supposed to be a "link" to the human player--have zero customization at all. This is why that one parent modded Ocarina of Time to make Link female.

[3-4-5]

Yes...Customization is arguably one of the most important aspects of making a game personal and addicting.

It adds replay value without having to add anything more to the actual gameplay

My experience is then different than yours and so on...

[fredolopez]

i see customization more as a luxury. i enjoy customization, but for myself it's not that important.

[Triforce079]

Depends if the developers arn't creative they give you the tools ???? i say invent decent characters from the off.

[TenSteps]

I like being able to customize my character but in this scenario I can live with or without it.

[Neixus]

It's a nice bonus, i like the feeling of playing my own character, instead of someone else.
can't imgagine fallout or wow without character customization,lol

[kevnb]

A lot of people like them, who am I to judge. And I'll admit, in some games it's a nice feature.

[MysticStrummer]

I always prefer to customize if possible. The more options the better.

[toxic-inferno]

I guess any game where you are trying to "forge your own story" is helped by a character-customisation option.

When the game spoon-feeds you a story (not a bad thing at all; storytelling at its finest!), you can believe in the characters it gives you. But when it expects you to use your imagination to build your own story, a character customisation seriously helps.

Imagine Skyrim if you HAD to play as a white, male Breton with goofy hair and a scar down his left cheek. It simply wouldn't have the same feeling of embarking on your own adventure.

[Bebedora]

I agree. It's like when I read a book and the persons in it I imagine gets it's own look and even expressions at times.

[toxic-inferno]

This is going to sound horribly poetic and philosophical, but...

It really is amazing how the human imagination functions!

[Jyndal]

The more creativity I'm given in a game, the better I like it.

[GunsAndTheBeast]

Yes.

[Donnieboi]

Being able to customize my character in Metal gear Online (from the skin, hair, facial hair, clothes, clothing color, voice, etc) really made it feel like my character was unique.

[KillrateOmega]

If the game itself isn't strictly dependent upon a particular character with his own particular appearance, then I always prefer customization.

It adds personality to your character and further immerses you in the experience. It's more personal.

[BosSSyndrome]

I think it depends on the genre of game.

[Myst]

Agreed depending on the type of game it is it can be either the most important or not at all.

[vikingland1]

I would like more face mapping in games. The PS4 & Xbox One have good enough cameras and enough power that it should be easy. It would be cool to play a game that the main character looks just like yourself. I know some sports games have tried it in the past but most of the time they just look scary LOL. My son made a character in madden and it looked just like him. I tried it and it looked nothing like me. So it was a hit and miss type of thing. It needs to get better.

[Scrivlar]

It depends what type of game you're playing. If it's something like Skyrim where one of the main strengths of the game, having as much freedom , choice and variety as possible. Then I think it would be strange and lazy not to have character customization. On a game like Saints Row it's not necessary but nice to have the option.

[Npugz7]

Yes I prefer being able to create my own character!

[drizzom]

The higher the interaction with other people, the more important the idea of individuality and thus customizable characters become.

[ScepticTankAvenger]

Super important. Nuff said.