Why Choose You? - Exploring Attitudes Towards Starter Pokemon

Non-playable characters (NPCs) are prevalent features of video games. Forming attachments with NPCs is often considered a core part of play. However, previous research suggests such relationships may vary drastically between players: some may view NPCs as important companions, whilst others consider them as mere gameplay tools. There is a gap in the knowledge base regarding the factors which may influence attachment. Specifically, it is unclear whether a player's attitude towards their own play corresponds to different levels of attachment. This report uses survey data from 8,371 participants from Pok ' emon communities to explore how players perceive attachment to in-game companions. We measured gameplay approaches (for example, if participants perceive themselves as competitive or casual players) and their attitude towards Starter Pok ' emon, ranging from the perception that they are the most important Pok ' emon in the game, to a gameplay burden. Initial exploratory results suggest that players may be more attached to a Starter Pok ' emon if they possess a more casual rather than competitive playstyle, and are playing for the first time over replaying with added challenges.