I need, therefore I play

Why do we start playing games? Like engaging in any other activity, the initiation of playing games always stems from motivation.

Motivation theory in psychology explores what drives human behavior and actions. It seeks to understand the reasons behind why people choose to do certain things and what internal or external factors influence these decisions. Motivation can be broadly categorized into two types: intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation.

Intrinsic Motivation: This type of motivation arises from an interest in doing something for the sake of the activity itself. People engaged in intrinsically motivated activities find pleasure and satisfaction in the process, regardless of any external rewards. For example, reading a book purely for enjoyment, playing a musical instrument because you love the sound and the act of making music, or playing games to make yourself happy.

Extrinsic Motivation: On the other hand, extrinsic motivation is driven by external factors such as rewards, recognition, or avoiding punishment. People may engage in activities to earn money, receive praise, or avoid negative consequences. Participating in a contest to win a prize or studying hard to get good grades are examples of extrinsically motivated behaviors.

There is a process that leads to our inclination to play games.

Identification of Need or Lack: Initially, an individual might feel a void or lack in their life, which could manifest as boredom, loneliness, the need for achievement, or the craving for mental stimulation. This lack is the seed from which all subsequent motivation grows.

Formation of Desire: Once a need is identified, it begins to take shape in the form of a desire. For example, if someone feels lonely, they might develop a desire for social interaction. In the context of gaming, this could translate into a yearning for multiplayer games where they can connect with others online.

Seeking Information and Options: With a desire now firmly in place, the individual will start looking for ways to fulfill it. They might research different games, read reviews, or ask friends for recommendations that align with their specific desires. This stage is about exploring options that can potentially satisfy the need.

Decision-Making and Action: After gathering information, the individual makes a decision on which game to play. This decision is influenced by various factors, including personal preferences, available resources, and the perceived ability of the game to meet the identified need. Once a choice is made, the action of purchasing and playing the game commences.

Experience and Feedback Loop: As the individual engages with the game, they begin to receive feedback on whether the game is indeed meeting their needs. Positive feedback—such as feeling more connected after playing a multiplayer game or experiencing a sense of accomplishment after completing a level—reinforces the behavior and can lead to continued play. Negative feedback, on the other hand, might prompt the individual to seek out a different game or activity that better satisfies their needs.

Adaptation and Reevaluation: Over time, needs can change or become more nuanced. What initially satisfied a player might no longer hold the same appeal, leading them to reevaluate their needs and potentially seek out new games that cater to their evolving desires. This process of adaptation ensures that the individual continues to find meaningful ways to fulfill their psychological needs through gaming.

Potential for Over-Engagement: While gaming can effectively address certain needs, it’s important to note that over-engagement can occur, leading to issues like addiction or neglect of other areas of life. A healthy balance must be maintained to ensure that gaming remains a positive and enriching experience rather than a source of harm.

Then, what are some of the needs that generate motivation? Please list a few first before continuing to read.

Need for Achievement: Many individuals are driven by the desire to accomplish goals and overcome challenges. Games provide structured environments filled with objectives that, once achieved, can lead to feelings of success and mastery. Need for Entertainment and Escapism: The need to escape from the stresses of everyday life and seek enjoyment is a powerful motivator. Games offer immersive worlds that can transport players away from their immediate surroundings, providing a source of fun and relaxation.

Need for Social Interaction: Humans are inherently social creatures, and games can serve as platforms for connecting with others. Multiplayer games allow players to form friendships, cooperate on missions, and compete against each other, fulfilling the human need for social engagement.

Need for Self-Expression: Some individuals use games as a means of self-expression. Role-playing games, for instance, allow players to experiment with different identities and narratives, which can be particularly appealing to those who wish to explore various aspects of their personality.

Need for Learning and Cognitive Stimulation: The desire to learn new things and challenge one’s cognitive abilities is another driving force behind gaming. Puzzles, strategy games, and educational games cater to this need by requiring players to think critically and solve problems.

Need for Control and Autonomy: In games, players often have control over their environment and the outcome of their actions. This sense of agency and autonomy can be very satisfying, especially in contrast to real-life situations where control may be limited.

Need for Routine and Structure: For some, gaming provides a routine and structure to their day. Regular gaming sessions can offer a sense of normalcy and predictability, which can be comforting and grounding.

Need for Emotional Release: Games can also serve as outlets for emotional expression. Whether it’s the adrenaline rush from action games or the catharsis from narrative-driven titles, games can help individuals process and cope with emotions. Need for Novelty and Exploration: The human mind craves new experiences. Games, with their diverse genres and settings, can satisfy the need for novelty and exploration, providing fresh and exciting content to discover.

Of course, beyond these more general psychological and social needs, we also have very individualized desires. If certain needs that I’ve listed don’t apply to you, that’s not incorrect; after all, we are all unique individuals. It’s important to recognize and honor our personal preferences and requirements, which might not always align with broader trends or common assumptions about human motivation. Embracing our individuality allows us to better understand ourselves and tailor our experiences, including gaming, to suit our distinct tastes and needs.