Motives for Playing Video Games as Predictors of Life Satisfaction in Croatian Players of Online Video Games

Abstract

The psychology of video games is a growing area which began with the research of negative effects of gaming on players, but is increasingly turning to positive effects, and lately the reasons for engaging in this form of entertainment. Models of motivation for playing video games are being intensively developed. They consider the specifics of this area broader than the usual division into intrinsic and extrinsic motives for play or satisfying the basic psychological needs by playing. The aim of this study was to test one such model, i.e., to examine whether and to what extent factors of motivation for playing video games predict life satisfaction in online video game players. Participants were approached through websites specialized in the culture of playing video games in Croatia, and the snowball technique. The study involved 411 video game players, predominantly male, in younger adulthood. On average, they spent two and a half hours a day playing. Through structural equation modelling, it was found that motivation to play video games explained a fifth of the variability of life satisfaction in online video game players. Two factors of motivation proved to be significant in predicting life satisfaction – Achievement and Escapism. Players who play to achieve a high level of their character, collect unique items and pieces of equipment, and to generally exercise power, as well as those who play to escape reality and not think about their problems have shown lower levels of life satisfaction. The findings point to the diversity of motives for playing video games and the importance of individual motives in explaining the motivation to play.