Between Virtual and Reality: Social Interaction and Cultural Heritage in Honkai: Star Rail
In this era where digitalization is sweeping across everything, games are no longer merely a form of entertainment; they have become a mirror reflecting modern humans’ hesitation and pursuit between the virtual and the real. Honkai: Star Rail, as a highly anticipated game, is becoming a unique social laboratory. Herta, an upcoming Voidtracer: Physical character, has a development journey that, to some extent, mirrors the survival state of modern humans in the digital age.
In the game’s world, character development requires a vast amount of materials, which bears a striking resemblance to the establishment and maintenance of interpersonal relationships in real life. We need to understand how these materials are obtained because they are not just digital resources within the game; they represent a form of cultural capital.
First, we need to understand Herta’s development system. This includes leveling up the character, upgrading her exclusive weapon, and completing her background story. These different aspects of development, to some extent, map the multi-dimensional needs of individual growth in real life. Just as we need to continuously learn, socialize, and self-improve in real life, in the game, characters also need various resources to achieve comprehensive development.
In this process, obtaining materials like “Fear Crushing Flesh” or “Courage Tearing Through the Chest” symbolizes the real-life processes of overcoming difficulties, building confidence, and gaining recognition. The names of these materials carry profound cultural implications, hinting at the game designers’ understanding of human nature. We need persistent effort and perseverance to collect these resources, which symbolize growth and transformation.
Notably, the game’s in-app purchase system reflects the interplay between capital logic in modern society and game value systems. By purchasing in-game currency, players can accelerate their character’s growth. This design somewhat simulates the real-life phenomenon of using economic investment to enhance social status. However, this also raises profound questions about game fairness and player values.
In the process of upgrading Herta’s exclusive weapon, we can see the designers’ pursuit of detail. From level 0 to 80, the precise calculation of various material investments resembles the planning and execution of any major project in real life. Every upgrade requires strategy and planning, reflecting modern humans’ relentless pursuit of efficiency and goals.
The completion of her background story is another dimension worth exploring. Through continuous adventure and exploration, Herta’s abilities and attributes are enhanced. This design echoes the real-life ideals of self-realization and personal growth. We need to constantly challenge ourselves in the game to unlock more potential, which deeply resembles self-improvement in real life.
In this virtual world, players form unique social networks and cultural systems. They progress together through strategy sharing, resource sharing, and teamwork. This cooperative yet competitive social model somewhat mirrors the social rules and cultural norms of real society.
However, while enjoying the joy that games bring, we must also remain clear-headed. Although the game world is virtual, the social relationships and cultural phenomena within it are intricately connected to real life. We need to find a balance between the virtual and the real, enjoying the fun that games bring while maintaining control over real life.
In this digital age, each of us navigates between the virtual and the real. Games, as a new cultural phenomenon, offer not only entertainment but also a space for social interaction, cultural heritage, and self-reflection. They provide a unique lens through which we can observe and understand the complexities of human nature and society in the digital era.