Presentation of body in digital games: The example of playerunknown's battlegrounds (PUBG)

The body, which is perceived in different ways and attributed different meanings in every period, has managed to be one of the most important issues discussed in societies, wherther it is accepted and glorified or turned into an object of sin and humiliated. The parameters of each period have determined the body perception of that period. This study tries to establish an avatar-body relationship by addressing the body through digital games. Through the PUBG game, the relationship of digital players with their avatars and the effect of their avatars, which we can call virtual bodies, and their real bodies in daily life on each other are examined. In addition, the socialization practices of the participants in PUBG, one of the world's largest interactive games, are also discussed. The fact that digital players have the freedom to choose their avatars and can dress and wear their clothes and accessories according to their own taste are important factors in understanding to what extent the participant identify themselves with their avatars. Based on the question "How is the body perceived and presented in digital games from the perspective of users?", this study focuses on the interaction of digital players with the game and other players. A total of 28 people, 25 man and 3 women, were interviewed, and notes were also taken from field observations. In the light of the field findings, it was seen that the PUBG game had an effect on the shapping of the players' body perceptions and their relationship with their virtual bodies.