Identity Exploration in a Kerbal Space Program Community Forum

Abstract

Video games and surrounding affinity spaces have potential to support STEM learning as a situated, targeted, and intentional process of identity exploration. Further research is needed to understand how players use affinity spaces to further their unique identity exploration processes. This research examines how an online video game community discussion forum supports different trajectories of identity exploration based on individual knowledge, interests, goals, and perceptions of self. Public longitudinal data was downloaded from 78 Kerbal Space Program players, which informed the selection of two comparative case studies selected to illustrate ways in which identity exploration may manifest. To inform the case studies, lines of player data were coded as representative of identity exploration as defined by Projective Reflection. Findings align with existing research to illustrate how individuals may be enculturated into or pushed out of affinity spaces based on their patterns of identity exploration over time.