Abstract
• Purpose
Esports is emerging as a global sensation, yet its distinctive nature complicates understanding players' motivations. This study leverages self-hierarchy and self-determination theories to examine the motivations that define oneself at individual, relational, and community levels, seeking to identify which motivations are most preferred.
• Design/methodology/approach
A mixed method was employed using Honor of Kings esports players in China to explore the answers to the research questions. First, semi-structured interviews were conducted to uncover the self-definitional motivations at various levels. Second, the quantitative study was conducted with 607 regular Honor of Kings players to examine the effects of those identified motivations on satisfaction empirically.
• Findings
The qualitative and quantitative data results reveal that self-efficacy and self-worth at the individual level, close others' recognition and emotional attachment at the relational-self level, and co-creation and belongingness at the collective level positively influence game satisfaction. More importantly, self-definitional motivations at the relational level are valued the most. Additionally, identification with game character moderates the effects of self-definitional motivation at the collective level and the emotional attachment at the relational-self level.
• Originality
This research delves into players' motivations for engaging with Honor of Kings, anchored in self-hierarchy and self-determination theories. It uncovers that motivations rooted in different aspects of self-identity have distinct associations with how satisfied players feel with the game. Consequently, this suggests a vital strategy for game designers and operators: to enhance player satisfaction, they should specifically address and emphasize the aspects of self-identity that matter most to their audience.
Esports is emerging as a global sensation, yet its distinctive nature complicates understanding players' motivations. This study leverages self-hierarchy and self-determination theories to examine the motivations that define oneself at individual, relational, and community levels, seeking to identify which motivations are most preferred.
• Design/methodology/approach
A mixed method was employed using Honor of Kings esports players in China to explore the answers to the research questions. First, semi-structured interviews were conducted to uncover the self-definitional motivations at various levels. Second, the quantitative study was conducted with 607 regular Honor of Kings players to examine the effects of those identified motivations on satisfaction empirically.
• Findings
The qualitative and quantitative data results reveal that self-efficacy and self-worth at the individual level, close others' recognition and emotional attachment at the relational-self level, and co-creation and belongingness at the collective level positively influence game satisfaction. More importantly, self-definitional motivations at the relational level are valued the most. Additionally, identification with game character moderates the effects of self-definitional motivation at the collective level and the emotional attachment at the relational-self level.
• Originality
This research delves into players' motivations for engaging with Honor of Kings, anchored in self-hierarchy and self-determination theories. It uncovers that motivations rooted in different aspects of self-identity have distinct associations with how satisfied players feel with the game. Consequently, this suggests a vital strategy for game designers and operators: to enhance player satisfaction, they should specifically address and emphasize the aspects of self-identity that matter most to their audience.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Internet Research |
| Publication status | Acceptance date - 26 Nov 2024 |