Examining the Influence of AI Agent Anthropomorphism on Player Engagement: A Literature Review

Hasan Tınmaz

doi:10.61969/jai.1855786

Examining the Influence of AI Agent Anthropomorphism on Player Engagement: A Literature Review

Abstract

As artificial intelligence (AI) agents become increasingly embedded in digital games and entertainment systems, anthropomorphism (the attribution of human-like traits to artificial agents) has emerged as a key factor shaping player engagement and experience. Despite growing empirical interest, existing findings remain fragmented across domains and lack a coherent synthesis focused on gaming-specific interaction dynamics. This study presents a critical literature review that systematically examines prior empirical and conceptual research on anthropomorphic AI agents in gaming and entertainment contexts. Drawing on Computers Are Social Actors (CASA), Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), and self–AI connection frameworks, the review classifies and compares six core anthropomorphic traits (emotions, social cues, individuality, autonomy, user connection, and appearance) and analyzes how each trait contributes to player engagement, attachment, immersion, and cognitive load. The analysis identifies recurring patterns, trade-offs, and design tensions, showing that while anthropomorphic features can enhance realism, trust, and emotional involvement, excessive or poorly aligned traits may increase extraneous cognitive load or foster over-attachment. By consolidating dispersed findings and highlighting underexplored areas, this study provides a theory-informed synthesis that advances conceptual understanding of anthropomorphism in games and offers actionable design implications for developers, as well as clear directions for future empirical research.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

This research did not receive any outside funding or support. The author reports no involvement in the research by the sponsor that could have influenced the outcome of this work.

Ethical Statement

This article is based exclusively on previously published studies and does not contain any new studies with human participants or animals performed by the author. Accordingly, institutional review board (IRB) approval was not required.

Thanks

I would like to sincerely thank the İzmir Academy Association, publisher of the Journal of AI, for their professional, efficient, and timely editorial management throughout the publication process.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Graphics, Augmented Reality and Games (Other)

Journal Section

Review Article

Authors

Hasan Tınmaz ^*
0000-0003-4310-0848
South Korea

Publication Date

February 27, 2026

Submission Date

January 4, 2026

Acceptance Date

February 25, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Number: 10

DOI

https://doi.org/10.61969/jai.1855786

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA44DR65YT

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Tınmaz, H. (2026). Examining the Influence of AI Agent Anthropomorphism on Player Engagement: A Literature Review. Journal of AI, 10, 1-23. https://doi.org/10.61969/jai.1855786