A Self-Determination Theory-Based Laboratory Experiment on Social Aspects of Playing Multiplayer First-Person Shooter Games

Reer Felix, Krämer Nicole C.

Research article (journal)

Abstract

Addressing gaps in existing research, the current laboratory experiment (n=139) examined the role that social facets play in the video gaming experience that multiplayer first-person shooter games provide. First, three different social settings of playing were compared concerning the amount of enjoyment and well-being they induced and second, a structural model based on self-determination theory was tested that aimed to investige connections between social facets of playing, game-based satisfaction of competence and relatedness needs, and positive psychological outcomes of playing. The results indicate that also among supposedly unsocial first-person shooter games social interactions among fellow players and the presence of human co-players are important factors that can shape effects of playing positively. Structural equation modeling further indicated that communicating with fellow players and team play can help players of first-person shooter games to satisfy essential psychological needs that, in turn, is connected to increases in well-being and enjoyment.

Details zur Publikation

Release year: 2020
Language in which the publication is written: English