First of all, if this post offends you by any means, my apologies in advance, I just want to understand something that I can't seem to wrap my head around. Also, this isn't a sarcastic post, and I'm not trying to be demeaning either. Also, I'm posting this in the MKX forum because this theme has been highly emphasized throughout the lead up to release.
If you frequent these forums, you may see posts of mine in regards to people's love and passion towards characters. In MKX, of course not everyone's favourite is going to be in, and to me, that should be accepted due to the fact that overall we love this game enough to post about it on a forum.
What I want to understand is how imaginary, fictional characters that don't even exist in reality can ignite so much passion and love towards them, to the point where petitions are made, social media protests are made, and threats of not buying a product due to the exclusion of a character?
Does it have to do with loneliness? Does it have to do with having nothing better to do? Personally, I believe when people commit actions like the ones I said above, it just enforces the "nerd" stereotype, where the people doing this and feeling this way, are lonely, and still live in their Mother's basement so to speak. So if any reasoning can be said that doesn't conform to that stereotype, I'd really love to hear that.
So yeah, if anyone more enlightened than me would like to chime in, please do.
Hmmm... it depends on people. Just because you like some fictional character a lot, doesn't mean you become or are a nerd who lives in the basement with doritos and mountain dew around him.
But to answer the very question... it is hard actually. Because there are many reasons why people might like fictional character a lot.
A. For example some of the people actually do feel attachments to characters, because of loneliness. Those characters give them emotional support just by existing virtually or on paper. That virtual strength those characters have, becomes a real motivational force for those people.
If to make it easier to explain the effect. Imagine a person who isn't really social, and has trouble communicating. Also might add few bad habits and you get a typical "loser" of society.
That's when video games come to save the day. That same guy who is unpopular in real world, plays as a hero and saves a village from a monster. Villagers thank him and call him awesome. It feels good for that person. Someone says something good about him and that makes his day. Even if it isn't real, it still feels good. A virtual character by the power of words alone can influence a person to a great extent.
B. If person has an ability (and time) to have nothing better to do, then I doubt he will time to be passionate about something (but I might be wrong here. There are always exceptions)
C. Again if that person commits such actions it doesn't make him "stereotypical nerd". Hell a person sitting in this forum could fit that description even better. Because to write in forums all day long is easy. If organizing petitions, rallying people, making cosplays of your favorite character, going to conventions just to show that passion, were as easy as that, then everyone would do that. Hell, that passion is a proof, that you at least give a damn about something.
Such things as being extremely passionate about something just motivates your imagination, your very creativity. Those very fictional characters become like energy source/motivational beacons for the people to push forward.
D. Other people like them just for who they are. Backstory, design, actions, character etc. It is fun for those people to play with that specific character. It feels comfortable.
E. As for people who rage, curse and might even riot violently just because someone said they don't like their character...
From my point of view I don't even consider them fans. They are pretty much the same as the guys who destroy/damage cities during protests. They just use that character/cause as an excuse to do damage/fight.
P.S Defending your point of view/taste/preference by using polite/constructive arguments and lashing out on someone for saying something bad or not liking the same thing as you do, are two different things.
F. Petitions, campaigns and so on are harmless and actually I see them as a nice way to unite people for a cause. If that cause doesn't harm anyone, then there is no problem. It should actually be nice to see people uniting like that.
That Fujin campaign (and few others) were born because Tremor's petition and his fan base succeeded in accomplishing their goal. Imagine the motivation boost it gave to other people. They saw, that it is possible, so now more people are taking initiative. Rallying, organizing, working together. That is beautiful in my opinion.
G. Also if I might add. Extreme version of passion... you know like having your room full of figures, costumes, posters, magazines, bed covers of your favorite character... it is also ok. Usually all that stuff costs insane amount of money, but if that person is able to afford it that means he has a job and loves what he is doing. And it also doesn't make him a bad person. (I also doubt that a lot of parents would spend hundreds (if not thousands) dollars/euros for their child's passion)
End note:
For me personally fictional characters are motivational figures. I don't care if they don't exist in real world or if their abilities are not yet possible. I use them as my motivation to push forward and work towards my goals. Those fictional character represent freedom for me. No matter what age I am.
Frost for example is still kinda a mystery, for why I suddenly started to like her that much. Might be because I see her as a difficult person who is plagued by bad habits and while doesn't show it in open, has an inside turmoil in her. Pretty much chaotic character. Surviving alone, becoming brutal and angry from harsh conditions of her life and bit by bit becoming more arrogant as she climbs towards the top while stepping on those who once were looking down on her. She savors that pleasure of beating anyone in her way, and in return earning respect and recognition from those around her. Power is the main key for her and that leads into her becoming more and more power hungry.
Might be a reason why I like her.
Even so while I am sad that she will be only an extra in game, I ain't gonna go bat shit crazy over that. If NRS will kill her off in game or will do a half assed appearance for her, I won't be happy, but it won't damage my view on game itself. As Mortal Kombat is the world where she exists and that is one of those worlds I REALLY like.
) But truthfully I wouldn't care if my favorite character was not in the game. I say people overreact
