Personification in Video Games: Bringing Non-Human Characters to Life

In the immersive world of video games, storytelling takes on unique forms, often relying on creative techniques to forge emotional connections with players. One of the most effective tools in this medium is personification—the attribution of human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human characters or entities. Iconic games like The Legend of Zelda and Journey showcase the power of personification, turning inanimate objects, environments, and abstract concepts into emotionally resonant characters that deepen the gaming experience.
Personification in The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule as a Living Entity
The Master Sword: A Weapon with a Soul
In The Legend of Zelda series, the Master Sword is more than a mere weapon. It is imbued with personality, often described as a guardian of light and a symbol of hope. Some games in the series, such as Skyward Sword, take this personification further by giving the sword a humanoid manifestation in the form of Fi, a spirit who guides the hero, Link. Through Fi, the Master Sword becomes a companion with its own voice, thoughts, and emotions, creating a bond between the player and the weapon.
The World of Hyrule: A Breathing Landscape
Hyrule itself feels alive, thanks to its dynamic environments and the way it responds to Link’s actions. In Breath of the Wild, the world’s personification is evident in its ability to communicate its history and mood through environmental storytelling. The ruins of past civilizations, weather patterns, and even the placement of enemies evoke a sense of an ancient, sentient land that has witnessed countless battles and triumphs.

Journey: The Emotion of the Unknown
The Traveller: Silent, Yet Expressive
In Journey, the player takes on the role of a nameless, voiceless traveller—a robed figure with no explicit identity. Despite this, the game uses subtle animations, visual cues, and a flowing scarf to imbue the traveller with human-like emotions. The scarf, which grows longer as the player collects power-ups, becomes an extension of the character’s vitality and progress, symbolizing hope and perseverance.
The Environment as a Guide
The desert, mountains, and ruins in Journey are not just backdrops; they are active participants in the narrative. The shifting sands seem to respond to the traveller’s movements, while the towering mountain in the distance serves as both a literal and metaphorical goal. These elements are personified through their interactions with the player, evoking emotions such as awe, fear, and determination.

Why Personification Works in Video Games
Emotional Connection
By giving non-human characters and elements human traits, games create emotional connections that transcend traditional storytelling. Players are more likely to empathize with a sentient sword or a silent traveller because these entities mirror human struggles, desires, and triumphs.
Immersion and Engagement
Personification makes game worlds feel alive, drawing players deeper into the narrative. When environments and objects appear to have agency or intention, they become integral parts of the story rather than mere settings or tools.
Universal Appeal
Unlike complex dialogue or backstory, personification relies on universal human experiences and emotions. This makes it a powerful tool for reaching a broad audience, including those who may not traditionally engage with video games.
Other Examples of Personification in Gaming
Ori and the Blind Forest: The Forest as a Character
In Ori and the Blind Forest, the titular forest feels like a living, breathing entity. Its lush, vibrant visuals contrast with areas of decay and darkness, reflecting its struggle to survive. Ori’s journey to restore the forest imbues it with human-like vulnerability and resilience.

Hollow Knight: The Kingdom of Hallownest
The abandoned kingdom of Hallownest in Hollow Knight exudes personality through its crumbling architecture and haunting music. Each area of the kingdom tells a story, giving the impression that the world itself is mourning its lost glory.

Personification transforms video games into powerful emotional experiences by breathing life into the inanimate and abstract. Whether it’s a sword with a soul, a traveller’s silent determination, or a forest fighting for survival, these elements deepen our connection to the game world and its story. Through personification, games like The Legend of Zelda and Journey remind us of the humanity we can find in even the most fantastical settings, making their narratives resonate long after the final credits roll.
Also Read: Hyperbole in Fantasy and Sci-Fi: Epic Worlds and Exaggerated Quests:
–Silviya.Y