Putting the “fun factor” into gaming: Influences of social motivations and contexts on experiences and outcomes of playing videogames
Tue, 20/07/2010 - 10:58 | 
GameGirl
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International Journal of Internet Science (Submitted)Keywords:
Enjoyment, flow, frustration, motivations, socialisation, videogamesAbstract:
The increasingly social nature of gaming suggests the importance of understanding its affective and psychological outcomes. The current research examined the influence of social motivations and gaming contexts on dimensions of psychological well-being. It also aimed to examine the influence of social factors on gaming experiences. The programme of research consisted of two separate studies using different methodologies in which a total of 327 videogamers participated. The results revealed that social motivations predicted flow in gaming, and that some social motivations and social contexts were predictive of dimensions of psychological well-being. Qualitative analysis revealed the importance of social connectedness and belonging for game enjoyment, and suggested these are key factors which keep gamers playing. Social interactions and networking during gameplay also had an important influence on game enjoyment. Social experiences could also facilitate feelings of frustration in gameplay due to poor social dynamics and competitiveness with other players. These findings demonstrate the importance of social experiences and their influences on the outcomes of gaming. Future research is needed to examine the role of competitiveness in the dynamics of online and offline social gaming contexts, as well as gaming experiences and outcomes. Research examining the differences between gaming experiences for both solo and multiplayer gaming is also warranted.
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Tags: Affect, Anticipatory thinking, Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Cognition, Creativity, Educational psychology, Enjoyment, flow, Flow, frustration, Jo
Source, Linda K Kaye, Motivation, motivations, Problem solving, Psychology, Qualitative research, Science, socialisation, Technology, Technology, videogames
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