Player Psychology and Shape Theory in Hyper-Casual Games

In these series of articles, we explore some elements that can play a pillar role in appealing audience in the field of psychology such as shape theory, color theory, goal-oriented attention, etc.

We seek to equip game developers with tools they can use in their daily work.

Shape Theory in Character Design (Part 1)

In this article, we explore how shape theory can influence player perception, guiding game designers in creating characters that resonate emotionally and aesthetically, especially today, the number of hyper-casual games creating more detailed characters is increasing, as seen in the top picture . Shape theory specifically focuses on how geometric forms impact player emotions, influencing their engagement and the appeal of game design.

Rather than focusing on how games affect players’ emotions and behavior directly, this series examines how the emotional weight of certain shapes and forms in character design subtly guides player reactions. The use of shapes in game design, particularly through body language and posture, often conveys more emotional depth than facial expressions alone. This technique, widely practiced in the industry, plays a crucial role in brand identity, visual storytelling, and player immersion.

Visual technique can be artistically shaped to create a range of emotional experiences using classical theory of depth, composition, gravity, movement, and artistic anatomy.

Based on our research, there are few resources available on character design in hyper-casual games. As a result, we turned to several Disney articles to gain insights into character design and expand on this article.

Over the years, many hyper-casual games have evolved with added details, including more character designs. Based on data from AppMagic, we’ve compiled icons representing the characters from top hyper-casual games from 2015 to 2024 (as shown in the top picture)

As it turns out, game character has changed significantly over time. For example, 2D characters from 2015 have transformed into more detailed 3D characters. Since characters are one of the key elements in game design, understanding this element can play a significant role.

Here are some suggested characters for mobile games that can significantly contribute to character design in evolved hyper-casual and hybrid-casual games.

Shape theory:

Primary shapes—the circle, square, and triangle—play a key role in communicating emotions, so even at this early stage it’s worth considering which shape best fit your high concept.

These visual elements work on an abstract level to shape the emotional experience for viewers and players, so understanding their function is paramount to creating powerful game experiences.

For instance, understanding shapes can explain the importance of roundness in Mario’s appeal.

That questioned why some of gaming’s most iconic characters and environments are so memorable and enduring?

Even for a non-game- developer knowing this can make interactive entertainment that shines a clear, bright, light on why the visuals of some games “work” and others do not.

Why shape theory?

The “3Cs”—Character, Camera, and Controller—are essential components in game design. Understanding each element, particularly the character and its impact, is crucial for creating engaging and immersive gameplay experiences.

UNIQUE SHAPES = UNIQUE EMOTIONS

Aggression vs. Serenity:

The sharp, angular form of the shark symbolizes power and aggression, evoking danger and primal reactions through pointed shapes. In contrast, the sunflower’s soft, circular shapes symbolize harmony and warmth, highlighting how shapes shape perception and nature’s dualities.

The two elements are very closely bound: circles relate to curved lines; the square relates to straight vertical and horizontal lines; and the triangle relates to diagonal and angular lines. Surprisingly, the ability for basic shapes and lines to communicate emotions is rooted in reality, as we’ll now see.

Where do these concepts of soft rounded forms versus angular shapes originate? All around us in nature! Things that we deem safe tend to have rounded forms, while we’re naturally cautious in the company of sharp, pointy triangles. Our instinctive reactions to these objects are based on our tactile sense of touch, and viewers respond to these shapes based on their real-life experiences.

Shape theory in design game characters

Note that the well-known “good” characters on the left are designed around circular concepts, while the enemy characters in the right column are based on a dominant triangular concept. The importance of designing characters around large shape concepts rather than details is that the basic shape can be clearly identified in every character.

Mario Character

Practically every element of Mario has been designed around a friendly circular concept, including his mustaches (two overlapping circles and a series of smaller round shapes).

Wario, Goomba Characters

Wario (left), Goomba (above) If Mario was designed around a triangular concept instead of a circular one, he’d no longer be Mario, he’d be Wario (left)! By little more than sharpening a few lines the artists at Nintendo transformed a friendly character into a villain. Although the Goomba characters (above right), Mario’s enemies, are designed around an aggressive triangular concept, their edges have been rounded to fit the overall friendly theme of the Mario universe. These three characters are an example of style consistency.

Wario (left) and Goomba (above) illustrate how shape concepts define character identity. By sharpening Mario’s circular design into a triangular one, it transformed a friendly hero into the villainous Wario. Similarly, Goombas, designed with aggressive triangular shapes, feature rounded edges to match the Mario universe’s friendly aesthetic. These examples demonstrate style consistency in character design.

Subverting conventions

We can think of the primary shapes—circle, square, and triangle—as conventions that communicate common notions of good and evil, passivity and aggression, dynamic and static energy. These conventions are useful tools in game design, where it’s often necessary that players understand the significance of their gaming environment as quickly as possible.

There are many instances, however, where players are afforded more time to become familiar with gameplay elements or when designers wish to surprise players with the unexpected.

If players expect circular forms to be friendly and sharp shapes to be threatening, then designing a game where the opposite is true can create a sense of mystery, surprise, and depth.

How Geometric Forms Shape Player Experience:

Each geometric form—circle, square, triangle, and spiral—carries psychological associations that tap into our subconscious, influencing how we interpret character qualities and game environments. Let’s examine the emotional impact and associations of each shape:

Language of every shape in game design

The success of that artwork relies on the same visual grammar (lines, shapes, volumes, color) and classical art techniques that have evolved over two thousand years and we will elaborate on.

1- Circles

Associated Emotions: Softness, unity, innocence, power, cute

Circles and ovals are great to use for friendly faces. You can also try using them in different parts of body, clothes, and hair to show the same friendly feeling.

Psychological Influence: Circles evoke a sense of infinity, harmony, and community. They suggest cohesion and flow, representing wholeness, safety, and innocence. In game design, characters or elements with circular features are seen as approachable, nurturing, and well-rounded. Planets, wheels, and fruits, for example, are natural shapes in games that give off a feeling of completeness and universal appeal.

2-Square and Rectangle:

Associated words: Strong, stable, balanced Square of things like jaws, shoulders, and even hands- they not only feel strong, but can feel difficult to move.

Psychological Influence: Squares and rectangles create a sense of equality and conformity. This familiar shape is often seen as strong, stable, trustworthy, orderly, restful, and associated with equality and peace. Number four (four corners) is often linked to material aspects of the physical world. Squares are often used in character design to signal reliability, while rectangular forms imply movement and harmony within that order.

Try using contrast in shapes to create different characters in your games

3-Triangle:

Associated Emotions: Power, movement, tension Triangles are sharp. Exaggerating the size and length of these shapes can heighten fear and transform how menacing the character is.

Psychological Influence: Triangles imply progression, direction, and purpose, often conveying power or tension depending on their orientation. Pointing upward, a triangle can evoke strength and stability; pointing downward, it may suggest instability or conflict. In character design, triangles can create a sense of dynamic energy, progression, and ambition.

Shape Psychology vs. Color Theory in Conveying Emotion

Some designers advocate that color is more effective for conveying emotions in design, but color interpretation can vary significantly across cultures. Shape psychology, however, relies on universal forms that have more consistent associations in human perception, making it a reliable tool across diverse player demographics. Whether it’s circles for harmony, triangles for energy, or squares for stability, these shapes deliver universally recognizable cues that help game designers craft intuitive experiences.

Shape Theory in Character Design: Crafting Emotional Impact through Form

Shape theory in character design involves balancing geometric elements to create harmony, personality, and intent. Circles, squares, and triangles used in character creation aren’t just about aesthetics; they serve as visual metaphors for the character’s personality, role, and motivations within the game. For instance:

• Circular characters are often seen as friendly and nurturing.
• Square-shaped characters appear trustworthy and steadfast.
• Triangular characters radiate power, aggression, or tension.

By understanding how each shape carries its own inherent meaning and psychological impact, designers can create characters that resonate emotionally, fostering a more immersive and memorable gameplay experience.

Conclusion:

Shape theory is a powerful tool in the hands of game designers, allowing them to communicate subtle emotional cues and build compelling characters and worlds that resonate with players.

Through careful selection of geometric shapes, designers can intuitively guide players’ perceptions, creating emotionally engaging and visually appealing experiences that transcend cultural differences. This approach to game design not only enhances brand awareness but also elevates the player’s journey, making games that are more impactful and memorable.

In our next article, we’ll continue to explore the impact of shape psychology on other elements of game design, providing a deeper look at how players’ responses which shaped by visual.

Sources:

Drawing Basics and Video Game Art: Classic to Cutting-Edge Art,

Walt Disney resources,

and Mitch Leeuwe’s work online.