On Role-play In Postmodern Context

Role-play is by no means a new social phenomenon, but an emerging form in the postmodern context, which shows two types, for example, Massively Multiplayer Online Role Play Game (MMORPG) and COSPLAY. With the focus mainly on their postmodern qualities and aesthetic experience, the main points of the thesis are just as the following:In the first place, which is titled "Role-Play of Postmodern Environment", interprets the technical background of Role-Play, the Social psychology. Virtual technology and mass media are the important technical supports for Role-play. Moreover, why do people pursuit the Role-play is that there is "Others" in establishing the identity of self.In the following part, which is named "Forms of Role-play in Postmodern Condition", explores multiple roles network games and COSPLAY respectively. Changes to self-play in postmodern society can be seen clearly. Depressive behaviors and stereotyped performance in everyday life make some people play roles deliberately in the virtual space. Taking "WOW" as an example to explain the way of creation, deleting, changing, playing of roles in network game, of which are so different from play in drama. One can play multiple roles in online game, which surmounts fixed mode of one-to-one play in the traditional drama. COSPLAY, aiming at displaying aesthetic or amazing Comic and Animation characters, is undoubtedly a follower of image consumption and visual culture, and has devoted itself to show the body.Headed "The Aesthetic Experience of Role-play", part three analyzes the aesthetic experience of online game and COSPLAY. Network game, based on Virtual Reality Technology, makes players indulge in them by stimulating various senses, which is known as an immersion experience. The original intention of COSPLAY is to play ideal self, but many players concentrate too much on appearance instead of the spirit of the role, which is another immersion experience. Experience is the truly body experience. The virtual body in online game and shaping body of COSPLAY break through embodiment, which bring more possibilities and the body becoming body image, meanwhile constructing a nomadic space, and further, experiencing a nomadic existence. Of course, the nomadic experience of role-play is ultimately a Utopia in postmodern society.