Cover not available

Article published In: Interaction Studies: Online-First Articles

Get fulltext from our e-platform
JBE logo with link
PDF logo with download linkDownload PDF
EPUB logo with download linkDownload EPUB
authorization required

Variations in gaming experiences, time, and spending across genres

ORCiD logo with link | HJ Institute of Technology and Management
Published online: 18 May 2026
DOI logo with link
https://doi.org/10.1075/is.24031.jo
Abstract
The study investigates the impact of different game genres on gaming behavior among students from 4th grade to 12th grade. Previous research often focused on isolated aspects of gaming without considering genre-specific influences. This study aims to fill that gap by examining how genres affect challenge and achievement, social interaction, flow, gaming time, and spending. Using ANOVA and Sidak post-hoc tests, the analysis included a sample size of 49,569 respondents. The findings indicate significant differences across genres: Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games foster higher levels of challenge, achievement, social interaction, and flow compared to other genres. Players of MOBA games also exhibit the highest engagement in terms of gaming time and financial investment. Role-Playing Games (RPG) and First-Person Shooter (FPS) games also show notable engagement levels but to a lesser extent. These results suggest that game genre significantly shapes gaming behaviors and experiences, highlighting the importance of genre-specific design and marketing strategies. For scholars, this study emphasizes the need for more granular research into game genres. For practitioners, including game developers and service providers, the findings offer insights into enhancing player engagement and tailoring game features to specific genres.
Article outline
  • 1.Introduction
  • 2.Literature review and hypothesis
  • 3.Methodology
    • 3.1Instrument development
    • 3.2Subject and data collection
  • 4.Analysis results
    • 4.1Results across game genre
      • 4.1.1Gaming experience
      • 4.1.2Gaming time and spending
    • 4.2Exploratory analyses across school levels
      • 4.2.1Age-related variation in game genre preferences
      • 4.2.2Gaming experience
      • 4.2.3Gaming time and spending
  • 5.Discussion
    • 5.1Gaming experience
    • 5.2Gaming time and spending
  • 6.Conclusion
  • Declaration of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process
  • Reference
References (69)
Reference
Abdi, H. (2007). Bonferroni and Šidák corrections for multiple comparisons. Encyclopedia of measurement and statistics, 3(01), 2007.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Apperley, T. H. (2006). Genre and game studies: Toward a critical approach to video game genres. Simulation & Gaming, 37(1), 6–23. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Baek, Y., & Touati, A. (2019). Comparing Collaborative and Cooperative Gameplay for Academic and Gaming Achievements. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 57(8), 2110–2140. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Bhagat, S., Jeong, E. J., & Kim, D. J. (2020). The role of individuals’ need for online social interactions and interpersonal incompetence in digital game addiction. International Journal of Human–Computer Interaction, 36(5), 449–463. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Billieux, J., Thorens, G., Khazaal, Y., Zullino, D., Achab, S., & Van der Linden, M. (2015). Problematic involvement in online games: A cluster analytic approach. Computers in Human Behavior, 431, 242–250. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Boyle, E. A., Connolly, T. M., Hainey, T., & Boyle, J. M. (2012). Engagement in digital entertainment games: A systematic review. Computers in Human Behavior, 28(3), 771–780. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Brown, E., & Cairns, P. (2004). A grounded investigation of game immersion. CHI’04 extended abstracts on Human factors in computing systems, Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Cheah, I., Shimul, A. S., & Phau, I. (2022). Motivations of playing digital games: A review and research agenda. Psychology & Marketing, 39(5), 937–950. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Chen, A., Lu, Y., & Wang, B. (2016). Enhancing perceived enjoyment in social games through social and gaming factors. Information Technology & People, 29(1), 99–119. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Chung, Y., Shin, Y., Chang, Y., Ko, K., Yoon, J., Lee, D., Kim, S., & Jun, B.-s. (2022). Development and Validation of the Problematic Internet Gaming Scale for Adolescents. Asian Journal of Education, 23(2), 421–445. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Cole, H., & Griffiths, M. D. (2007). Social interactions in massively multiplayer online role-playing gamers. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 10(4), 575–583. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2000). Beyond boredom and anxiety. Jossey-bass.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Csikszentmihalyi, M., & Csikzentmihaly, M. (1990). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience (Vol. 19901). Harper & Row New York.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Daniau, S. (2016). The transformative potential of role-playing games — : From play skills to human skills. Simulation & Gaming, 47(4), 423–444. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
De Kort, Y. A., IJsselsteijn, W. A., & Poels, K. (2007). Digital games as social presence technology: Development of the Social Presence in Gaming Questionnaire (SPGQ). Proceedings of PRESENCE, 1952031, 1–9.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Donovan, I., Saul, M. A., DeSimone, K., Listman, J. B., Mackey, W. E., & Heeger, D. J. (2022). Assessment of human expertise and movement kinematics in first-person shooter games [Methods]. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 161. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Eaton, J. A., & Mendonça, D. J. (2019). Linking adaptation processes to team performance in high-tempo, high-stakes teamwork: a large-scale gaming perspective. Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science, 20(6), 659–681. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Elson, M., Breuer, J., Ivory, J. D., & Quandt, T. (2014). More than stories with buttons: Narrative, mechanics, and context as determinants of player experience in digital games. Journal of Communication, 64(3), 521–542. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Field, A. (2013). Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS statistics. sage.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
(2024). Discovering statistics using IBM SPSS statistics. Sage publications limited.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Garneli, V., & Chorianopoulos, K. (2021). Employing Social Interactions of Multiplayer Role-Playing Games in a Serious Game. In F. de Rosa, I. Marfisi Schottman, J. Baalsrud Hauge, F. Bellotti, P. Dondio, & M. Romero, Games and Learning Alliance Cham. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Götz, U. (2021). On the evolution of narrative mechanics in open-world games. Narrative Mechanics: Strategies and Meanings in Games and Real Life, 821, 161. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Griffiths, M. D. (2010). The role of context in online gaming excess and addiction: Some case study evidence. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 81, 119–125. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Halloran, J., & Minaeva, A. (2019). Touch and play? Investigating the value of touchscreens for gamer experience. Entertainment Computing, 321, 100312. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Hammer, J., To, A., Schrier, K., Bowman, S. L., & Kaufman, G. (2018). Learning and role-playing games. In Role-playing game studies (pp. 283–299). Routledge. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Han, J., Kim, S.-c., Ko, K., Park, S., Heo, J., Park, S., & Bang, K.-b. (2020). A Study on the Development of Physical Activity Protocol for the Improvement of Overindulgence in Games. Journal of Wellness, 15(4), 787–802.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Hew, J.-J., Lee, V.-H., T’ng, S.-T., Tan, G. W.-H., Ooi, K.-B., & Dwivedi, Y. K. (2024). Are Online Mobile Gamers Really Happy? On the Suppressor Role of Online Game Addiction. Information Systems Frontiers, 26(1), 217–249. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Howell, D. C. (1992). Statistical methods for psychology. PWS-Kent Publishing Co.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Hwang, G.-J., & Chang, C.-C. (2025). A self-determination theory-based digital gaming approach to enhancing EFL learners’ competence in applying professional English. Educational technology research and development, 73(2), 1205–1223. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Johnson, M. R. (2019). Casual games before casual games: Historicizing paper puzzle games in an era of digital play. Games and Culture, 14(2), 119–138. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Kaye, L. K., & Bryce, J. (2012). Putting the fun factor into gaming: The influence of social contexts on the experiences of playing videogames. International Journal of Internet Science, 7(1), 24–38.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
King, D. L., & Delfabbro, P. H. (2018). Predatory monetization schemes in video games (eg ‘loot boxes’) and internet gaming disorder.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
King, D. L., Delfabbro, P. H., & Griffiths, M. D. (2011). The role of structural characteristics in problematic video game play: An empirical study. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 91, 320–333. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
King, D. L., Delfabbro, P. H., Perales, J. C., Deleuze, J., Király, O., Krossbakken, E., & Billieux, J. (2019). Maladaptive player-game relationships in problematic gaming and gaming disorder: A systematic review. Clinical psychology review, 731, 101777. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
KOCCA, K. C. C. A. (2018a). Complementary Study to the Comprehensive Diagnostic Scale for Gaming Behavior (CSG).Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
(2018b). Comprehensive Survey on Game Over-immersion.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Kou, Y., & Gui, X. (2014). Playing with strangers: understanding temporary teams in league of legends. Proceedings of the first ACM SIGCHI annual symposium on Computer-human interaction in play, Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Laconi, S., Pirès, S., & Chabrol, H. (2017). Internet gaming disorder, motives, game genres and psychopathology. Computers in Human Behavior, 751, 652–659. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Lemmens, J. S., Valkenburg, P. M., & Peter, J. (2011). The effects of pathological gaming on aggressive behavior. Journal of youth and adolescence, 401, 38–47. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Lin, C.-Y., Hung, W.-H., Fang, K., & Tu, C.-C. (2015). Understanding players’ achievement values from MMORPGs: an exploratory study. Internet Research, 25(5), 829–851. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Moller, A. C., Kornfield, R., & Lu, A. S. (2024). Competition and digital game design: A self-determination theory perspective. Interacting with Computers, iwae023.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Mun, I. B., & Lee, S. (2024). A moderated mediation model of the relationship between academic stress and digital game addiction. Current Psychology, 43(10), 9078–9088. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Nicholls, J. G. (1984). Achievement motivation: conceptions of ability, subjective experience, task choice, and performance. Psychological review, 91(3), 328. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Noorudin, M. S., Jamil, S. N. K. M., Alkawaz, M. H., & Johar, M. G. M. (2021). The Role Playing Games from Classic to Modern: Future Perspective. 2021 IEEE Symposium on Industrial Electronics & Applications (ISIEA),
Paik, S.-H., Cho, H., Chun, J.-W., Jeong, J.-E., & Kim, D.-J. (2017). Gaming device usage patterns predict internet gaming disorder: Comparison across different gaming device usage patterns. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 14(12), 1512. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Possler, D., Kümpel, A. S., & Unkel, J. (2020). Entertainment motivations and gaming-specific gratifications as antecedents of digital game enjoyment and appreciation. Psychology of Popular Media, 9(4), 541. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Przybylski, A. K., Rigby, C. S., & Ryan, R. M. (2010). A motivational model of video game engagement. Review of general psychology, 14(2), 154–166. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Rehbein, F., King, D. L., Staudt, A., Hayer, T., & Rumpf, H.-J. (2021). Contribution of game genre and structural game characteristics to the risk of problem gaming and gaming disorder: A systematic review. Current Addiction Reports, 8(2), 263–281. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Ryan, R. M., Rigby, C. S., & Przybylski, A. (2006). The motivational pull of video games: A self-determination theory approach. Motivation and Emotion, 301, 344–360. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Schoenau-Fog, H. (2011). The player engagement process–an exploration of continuation desire in digital games. Proceedings of DiGRA 2011 Conference: Think Design Play,
Şendurur, E., & Şendurur, P. (2018). Underlying Factors of Problematic Online Gaming Behavior: Age, Intensity, and Genre. ADDICTA: The Turkish Journal on Addictions, 5(4). Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Sherry, J., Lucas, K., Greenberg, B., Lachlan, K., Vorderer, P., & Bryant, J. (2006). Playing video games: motives, responses, and consequences. In: Routledge New York, NY, USA:.Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Sherry, J. L. (2004). Flow and media enjoyment. Communication theory, 14(4), 328–347. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Sherry, J. L., Greenberg, B. S., Lucas, K., & Lachlan, K. (2012). Video game uses and gratifications as predictors of use and game preference. In Playing video games (pp. 248–262). Routledge. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Sjöblom, M., Törhönen, M., Hamari, J., & Macey, J. (2017). Content structure is king: An empirical study on gratifications, game genres and content type on Twitch. Computers in Human Behavior, 731, 161–171. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Stackelberg, P. v. (2011). Creating digital narratives: The structure and design of stories told across multiple mediaGoogle Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Sun, R.-Q., Sun, G.-F., & Ye, J.-H. (2023). The effects of online game addiction on reduced academic achievement motivation among Chinese college students: the mediating role of learning engagement. Frontiers in Psychology, 141, 1185353. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Sweetser, P., & Wyeth, P. (2005). GameFlow: a model for evaluating player enjoyment in games. Computers in Entertainment (CIE), 3(3), 3–3. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Tan, E. T., Rogers, K., Nacke, L. E., Drachen, A., & Wade, A. (2022). Communication sequences indicate team cohesion: A mixed-methods study of Ad Hoc league of legends teams. Proceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction, 6(CHI PLAY), 1–27. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Teng, C.-I. (2010). Customization, immersion satisfaction, and online gamer loyalty. Computers in Human Behavior, 26(6), 1547–1554. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Trepte, S., Reinecke, L., & Juechems, K. (2012). The social side of gaming: How playing online computer games creates online and offline social support. Computers in Human Behavior, 28(3), 832–839. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Tülübaş, T., Karakose, T., & Papadakis, S. (2023). A holistic investigation of the relationship between digital addiction and academic achievement among students. European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, 13(10), 2006–2034. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Uysal, A., & Yildirim, I. G. (2016). Self-determination theory in digital games. In Gamer psychology and behavior (pp. 123–135). Springer. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Wang, H.-Y., & Cheng, C. (2022). The Associations Between Gaming Motivation and Internet Gaming Disorder: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis [Review]. JMIR Ment Health, 9(2), e23700. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Wang, H., Zhang, Z., Khalid, M. N. A., Iida, H., & Li, K. (2021). MMORPG Evolution Analysis from Explorer and Achiever Perspectives: A Case Study Using the Final Fantasy Series. Information, 12(6), 229. [URL]
Wang, L., Li, J., Chen, Y., Chai, X., Zhang, Y., Wang, Z., Tan, H., & Gao, X. (2021). Gaming Motivation and Negative Psychosocial Outcomes in Male Adolescents: An Individual-Centered 1-Year Longitudinal Study [Original Research]. Frontiers in Psychology, 121. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Woźniak, M. P., Sikorski, P., Wróbel-Lachowska, M., Bartłomiejczyk, N., Dominiak, J., Grudzień, K., & Romanowski, A. (2021). Enhancing in-game immersion using BCI-controlled mechanics. Proceedings of the 27th ACM Symposium on Virtual Reality Software and Technology,
Yee, N. (2006). Motivations for play in online games. CyberPsychology & Behavior, 9(6), 772–775. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Zendle, D., & Cairns, P. (2019). Loot boxes are again linked to problem gambling: Results of a replication study. PLOS ONE, 14(3), e0213194. Google Scholar logo with link to Google Scholar
Mobile Menu Logo with link to supplementary files background Layer 1 prag Twitter_Logo_Blue