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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
14:02
Measuring Engagement of Spectators of Social Digital Games
Published on: July 3, 2021
Motivations for play in online games
1Department of Communication, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California 94305, USA. nyee@stanford.edu
Summary
This study models player motivations in online games, revealing three core components: achievement, social, and immersion. These motivations are linked to player demographics and in-game actions.
Area of Science:
- Psychology of gaming
- Human-computer interaction
- Digital behavior analysis
Background:
- Understanding player motivations is crucial for analyzing differences in online gaming behavior.
- Previous research lacks a comprehensive empirical model for player motivations.
- Player motivations influence engagement and in-game actions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an empirical model of player motivations in online games.
- To identify distinct motivation subcomponents and overarching motivational factors.
- To examine the relationships between player motivations and demographic variables.
Main Methods:
- Factor analysis was employed to construct the empirical model.
- Data was collected on player motivations, demographics, and in-game behaviors.
- Statistical analyses were performed to identify motivation subcomponents and their relationships.
Main Results:
- An empirical model with 10 motivation subcomponents was developed.
- These subcomponents were grouped into three primary components: achievement, social, and immersion.
- Significant relationships were found between motivations and demographic variables like age, gender, and usage patterns.
Conclusions:
- The developed model provides a framework for understanding diverse player motivations.
- Player motivations are multifaceted, encompassing achievement, social, and immersion factors.
- Demographic variables play a role in shaping player motivations in online gaming environments.
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