Date of Award
5-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Communication Studies
Department
Communication Studies
First Reader/Committee Chair
Popescu, Mihaela
Abstract
For this study of Pokémon Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) I study gameplay as a way to capture how players use character creation and performance in role-playing games as a form of social identity expression. I provide a rich description of how players construct a game persona and relate it to their social identity.By engaging in an ethnographic study wherein I analyze the players’ game character, their style of play, the decisions they make during the game, and the small group dynamic that emerges as a result, I want to show how mixing these two fandoms can promote ways for players to experience new forms of identity construction through teamwork, cooperation, and playstyles. Finally, by studying how players establish and enact their identities, I want to advance knowledge about the exploration of identity in fictional spaces within social settings.
Recommended Citation
Rendon, Alberto S., "BEYOND THE DICE ROLL: INVESTIGATING CHARACTER CREATION IN A POKEMON-INSPIRED D&D GAME" (2026). Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations. 2462.
https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/2462