Using Self-Determination Theory To Examine Differences In Motvation And Engagement In Video Gamers

The purpose of this study is to extend the work on video gamers by better understanding some of the motivational underpinnings of video gameplay. To do this, we have incorporated nontraditional measures of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, into a study of hardcore and casual video gamer behavior. Additionally, we incorporated an exploratory variable, meaningfulness, which could theoretically be involved in video game engagement. Two hundred and forty-eight undergraduate students at a large university completed an inventory of video game usage and behavior, as well as several surveys related to motivation. Overall, while there were significant correlations between these measures of motivation, hardcore and casual gamers did not differ in terms of motivation to play. Interestingly, there was a significant difference between female and male gamers in terms of their need for autonomy, but not on any other measures. The results of this research will be discussed in greater detail