What makes gaming so addictive?

Remember the limitless amount of time we used to spend playing Super Mario on our PSPs? Or the time spent on playing the ever-challenging Snake game on the old Nokia phones? Or the endless spending of coins on the claw game in the game arcade? Thus, the main question here is – What pushes us to consciously spend precious time or money on such games, when we very well know that we could be engaging in other activities in that time? Few key reasons for why we play and continue to play are examined below

Psychology of Games

Nick Yee, a well-known researcher in the field of psychology of games and virtual worlds, proposed three motivation components- which incites us to spend an incessant amount of time and money on games.

Achievement Component

The first component is the achievement component, which refers to one’s want and needs to advance in the game, right till the finish; along with a curiosity in the system and rules of the game and the want to have a fair competition with others in the game. This can be applied in the Claw game that we all are so familiar with. Other than getting that toy in the machine, it is that challenge of showing your ability to be that precise to pick up and drop the toy off that- pushes us to try and try till we succeed. The game is clearly designed to be challenging- you think you got it, but you don’t. That, equipped with the achievement component- including light banter with our friends as to who can get the toy first- motivates us to limitlessly play the game.

Social Component

The second component is the social component, which refers to the need to form social connections, be a part of a group and chat with different people- all through games. In today’s time and age, this social component is all too common. Games like PubG and Among us strongly facilitate these sort of group connections, which provide platforms for people to chat and connect with those known and unknown- all under the premise of having fun with the game.

Immersion Component

The final component is the immersion component, which strongly reflects what games are to many- an escape from the mundaneness and woes of life for a short period of time. This component includes us being able to create an avatar based on certain characteristics we find desirable, to play in the unique story of the game. The unique graphic and controls of the game provide this sweet escape from reality, which is something we all need once in a while. It’s no wonder we find ourselves hooked on to finding an ‘impostor’ in space in Among Us, or taking on different missions to be the one and only Winner in PubG.

Another explanation for why playing games can be so addictive in nature stems from Abraham Maslow’s classic Theory of Needs. Maslow’s theory of needs includes: physiological, safety, belonging, self-esteem and self-actualization needs. Obviously, physiological needs like hunger and thirst are not covered by gaming, however, the remaining 4 needs do provide an explanation to why we indulge in games so much. As the name suggests, safety needs include one’s desires to be safe from harm and to feel secure. Games somewhat provide a safe haven from reality- game over isn’t the end, it signifies a new beginning. Belonging needs are similar to Nick Yee’s social component, where games allow us to form connections with people, albeit online, which might be difficult for some to do in reality.

Self-esteem needs to stem from one’s achievement desires, where its easier in games to defeat your enemies and climb to the top- as opposed to reality where being belittled and insulted comes easy- thus leading to a rise in self-esteem and confidence. Finally, the self-actualization need refers to one being able to be creative and spontaneous (thus being wholly satisfied) in what they do; and games do give that space to us all. Right from coming up with our own avatars for the game, you allowed playing as you want, whenever you want. There are no restrictions to be yourself, in a game.

Thus, as games satisfy so many needs, it is easy to see why they are so addictive in nature. However, the boundary line for addiction is thin. Which is why it is vital to be mentally aware and present and to not let these games take precedence over other important things in our lives.

References

Pang, C. (2017). Understanding Gamer Psychology: Why do people play games? Sekg. Retrieved from: https://www.sekg.net/gamer-psychology-people-play-games/#:~:text=That%20is%20a%20theory%20which,explain%20the%20enjoyment%20of%20games.

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