Emilija Gostautaite 

Project Description

The present study aimed to explore the wellbeing of gamers in reference to different gaming motivations and game types played. This study’s investigation of game type eliminated the gap in the research for consideration of game genre. Furthermore, the present study aimed to continue the research of the seven motivations for gaming in relation to wellbeing. A common limitation of previous studies was the restricted participant sample size and diversity. The current study aimed to recruit adult participants from various countries and backgrounds through online recruitment. Results of the present study could provide valuable information for the way certain individuals play games and why. Additionally, the information could assist the formulating of preventative and correctional measures for individuals with poor gaming habits.

Project Findings

Findings showed that different dimensions of motives were both positively and negatively associated with wellbeing. Gaming for social, escape, competition, coping, skill development, fantasy, and recreation reasons, and preference for game-mode types accounted for 21.2% of the variance in wellbeing. The two strongest factors of this relationship were playing VG to escape real world troubles (escape; 9.42% variance) and playing VG solely for fun (recreation; 3.17% variance). Analysis revealed that preference only accounted for .576% of variation in wellbeing, a non-significant result. Furthermore, thematic analysis of participants’ opinions on the role of VG in their lives revealed the presence of eight themes: socialisation, recreation, skill development, competition, fantasy, escapism, uniqueness, and life-changing value. This reveals that the participants' perceived purpose of VG matches closely to the seven motives for gaming found in the MOGQ. The thematic analysis also revealed a large importance placed on the role of video games in the lives of many participants, admitting a positive effect on their quality of life.