This literary research examined semiotics within video game design, how it is enhanced through symbolism, how the application of semiotics immerses the player, and how it affects player agency. Games are unique amongst different media as a method of interactive storytelling, and its popularity has grown to become one of the fastest growing industries. As the industry has moved to a global scene, many different cultures and societies are playing the same games.

Sociology’s theory of semiotics may be applied to emphasize the importance of interpreting signs amongst large spreads of societies in order to best integrate the player. To do so, it is beneficial to examine the history of video games, how pop culture becomes popular, why so many people turn to media, why there are so many complaints about games, and how people are exposed to media. In relation to video game design, analyzing social action, symbolic interactionism, and structural functionalism allow many recommendations of design choices that best apply towards full immersion of the player, no matter the background. However, the future of artificial intelligence may very well change the way the industry operates. Regardless, developers have a great hold on player agency and perceived autonomy through the application of sociological theory and symbolism.