게임 캐릭터 헤어스타일의 조형적 특성 분석

Analysis of Formative Characteristics of Online Game Character Hairstyles

This study aimed to analyze the formative characteristics of hairstyles in five female characters from the online game League of Legends—Ahri, Lux, Miss Fortune, Katarina, and Seraphine— focusing on how these design elements reflect each character's narrative identity and the broader game world. In character design, hairstyles go beyond aesthetics. They function as visual symbols that convey personality traits, emotional tones, and narrative roles. Despite their importance, prior research has paid limited attention to this aspect. To address this gap, the study categorizes and examines hairstyles using four formative elements: line, form, texture, and color. These elements are analyzed in relation to each character’s narrative background through qualitative content analysis and comparative analysis. The findings reveal that hairstyles play a critical role in intuitively reinforcing narrative identity and enhancing player empathy and immersion. For instance, soft curved lines and bright colors are effective in expressing emotional, positive, and idealistic characters, whereas sharp straight lines and darker hues reflect combativeness, independence, and strength. This study demonstrates that hairstyles in game character design serve not only as aesthetic features but also as narrative and emotional communication tools. It is anticipated that the results would provide foundational insights for future research in game character design and the study of player emotional engagement.