Digiplay Initiative

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Abstract:

Research on videogames has largely focused on their negative effects on aggressive attitudes and behaviours (e.g., Anderson & Bushman, 2001; Anderson et al., 2004). An examination of the motivations and experiences associated with videogaming has received little theoretical and empirical attention. The current study examined gaming motivations and experiences in a sample of regular gamers using a mixed-methods approach. This study used an online questionnaire completed by a sample of gamers (N=310). An open-response format was included in which participants were asked to provide an account of intrinsic and extrinsic gaming motivations and experiences. Analyses of the qualitative data revealed that the main motivations for gaming were the need for socialisation, challenge, accomplishment, fantasy, stress-relief, alleviation of boredom, escapism, and exploration. Enjoyment and flow were also important experiential factors, consistent with previous research findings. Furthermore, the findings from the regression analyses supported the influence of achievement and immersion-orientated motivations on flow experiences. The qualitative aspect of the study provides a more detailed exploration of the motivations for videogame use, and offers some indication of the way in which gaming motivations can be associated with game enjoyment. Future research should further utilise qualitative methodologies to provide a more detailed examination of gaming experiences and associated outcomes of gaming.

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