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An Overview of Structural Characteristics in Problematic Video Game Playing
Mark D Griffiths1, Filip Nuyens1
1International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham, NG1 4FQ UK.
Current Addiction Reports
|August 29, 2017
Summary
Video game structural characteristics, like long-term in-game achievements, are linked to problematic play. Understanding these game design elements is crucial for players, designers, and policymakers.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Game Studies
- Human-Computer Interaction
Background:
- Problematic video game playing is influenced by various factors, including the inherent structural characteristics of games.
- Early research drew parallels between video game and gambling structural features.
- This review synthesizes key literature on video game structural characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing research on the structural characteristics of video games.
- To explore the relationship between game structure and problematic video game play.
- To discuss implications for game design and social responsibility.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of key papers in the field.
- Examination of similarities between gambling and video game structures.
- Analysis of structural characteristics, narrative, flow, and taxonomies in video games.
Main Results:
- Studies often involve small, self-selected samples and non-ecologically valid experiments.
- Long-term in-game achievements (e.g., experience points, resource management) are associated with problematic play.
- Identified areas include structural similarities, taxonomies, and ethical considerations in game design.
Conclusions:
- Empirical data suggests long-term in-game goals correlate with problematic video game engagement.
- Understanding game structure's psycho-social impact is vital for players, designers, and researchers.
- This perspective aids in promoting socially responsible game design and policy.
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