Affective meaning emerges once a personal relationship has been established (Legaard, 2023). Through both attachments and modifications, users can establish and deepen their connection to the toy that lasts. This can both serve to extend the possibilities around play, as well as strengthening their attachment to the beloved toy.
Nerf guns are regarded as safer than other alternatives due to the use of Styrofoam darts that are safer to use – both indoor and outdoor. This safety due to the use of a soft foam argument has been with Nerf since its beginning. This, however, is not the only reason why Nerf has garnered such popularity – especially amongst the older audiences. It is due to the ability to add various attachments and modifications that allows players to make their Nerfs truly theirs.
Hasbro has been releasing several official accessories for their toys. Players are able to mount them on one of the attachment docks, as well as a barrel and stock extensions.
A large community of players who like to modify their gear – with one Reddit forum bringing around 15,000 players together (Reddit, n.d.). A number of these players adapt their toy guns to improve the range and speed at which the guns fire, e.g., by installing a electric engine for firing instead of the mechanical spring-based one used in the standard toy. These modifications are often done by adults who used them as kids and are passionate about them. Thus, making the toy something that we would not consider a children toy anymore.
By observing the activities of people online, both on online forums such as Reddit as well as on YouTube, we can see that Nerf guns can create affective meaning that lasts through time. With older audiences engaging with the toy and showing it affection through their modifications and lasting engagement (Reddit, n.d.).