Affective Symmetry: Affect and Networks in Blizzard’s StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void

Abstract

This paper employs a social network analysis of StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void to examine how the single-player campaign structures a largely non-player character (NPC) community. This analysis, which includes a convergence of social network analysis and affect theory, explores the dynamic interactive gameplay network experience of Legacy of the Void. Additionally, the data visualizations map the complex network of communal interactions that exist even in the single player campaign through the virtual community of NPCs into which a player immerses him or herself.