Affective Industrialization and Virtual Compensation: A Study on the Emotional Communication Mechanism of the Otome Game

Abstract

As an emerging subcultural phenomenon, otome games have rapidly gained popularity among young female demographics in recent years. Through specific narrative structures, character designs, and interaction mechanisms, these games provide players with rich emotional experiences. Using "Love and Deep Space" as a case study, this paper delves into how otome games satisfy players' emotional needs and achieve emotional compensation through their communication mechanisms. Grounded in theories of emotional communicat ion and emotional compensation, the study analyzes the game's narrative structure, character design, interaction mechanics, and immersive experience design. It reveals how these elements synergistically provide emotional fulfillment, companionship, and psychological support, catering to players' affective demands. The paper further explores players' interactive behaviors on social media platforms and how these behaviors reinforce emotional compensation effects, fostering subcultural communities. Findings indicate that "Love and Deep Space," through its precise emotional communication mechanism, not only satisfies players' emotional needs but also enhances player loyalty and engagement via emotional compensation, thereby propelling the dissemin ation and development of otome game subculture. This research offers novel perspectives for understanding the emotional communication mechanisms within otome games and provides theoretical support for the further advancement of the gaming industry.