This quiz will help you pinpoint your main reasons for playing video games. Cheah, Shimul, & Phau (2022) identified six key motivational themes for playing video games. Find out which of the six motivates you through the grind and towards glory.  

Instructions: Choose the answer (A, B, C, or D) that best reflects your motivations. *A helpful "Key" is at the end of this quiz.

1.    I lose myself completely in video games, forgetting about everything else while I play.

A. To connect with the characters (Identification)

B. To unwind after a long day (Escapism)

C. To experience a state of flow (Immersion & Flow)

D. To play with friends online (Social Interaction)

2.    Beating a difficult level in a game fills me with a huge sense of satisfaction.

A. Because it lets me be someone else (Identification)

B. Because it shows my skills have improved (Goal Orientation & Gratification)

C. Because it's a break from reality (Escapism)

D. Because I can brag to my friends (Social Interaction)

3.    I mostly play video games to relax and de-stress after a busy day.

A. Because the stories are interesting (Identification)

B. To forget about my problems for a while (Escapism)

C. To collect in-game items (Goal Orientation)

D. To chat with teammates online (Social Interaction)

4. Playing online games is more fun for me because I get to team up with friends.

A. Because I can pretend to be someone else (Identification)

B. Because it's a relaxing way to unwind (Escapism)

C. Because I like working towards common goals (Social Interaction & Goal Orientation)

D. Because I enjoy the competition (Gratification & Affect)

5.  I tend to choose characters who are powerful and have cool abilities.

A.   Because it makes me feel powerful too (Identification)

B.   Because it's a way to escape from reality (Escapism)

C.   Because it's more enjoyable (Gratification & Affect

D.   Because I want to impress my friends online (Social Interaction)

6. I find it very rewarding to complete all the quests and achievements in a game.

A. Because it makes me feel part of the game world (Immersion & Flow)

B. Because it shows I've mastered the game (Goal Orientation & Gratification)

C. Because it helps me avoid boredom (Escapism)
D. Because I can boast online (Social Interaction)

7.   I love the excitement and challenge that video games offer, especially fast-paced ones.

A. Because I can explore different personalities (Identification)

B. For the thrill and adrenaline rush (Gratification & Affect)
C. Because it helps me forget about my problems (Escapism)

D. Because I can work with others (Social Interaction)

8. I spend a lot of time practicing to improve my skills in the games I play.

A. Because I want to feel like the character (Identification)

B. Because I enjoy the challenge and improvement (Immersion & Flow)
C. Because it's a way to relax after a long day (Escapism)

D. Because I want to beat my friends (Social Interaction)

9. Video games are a great way for me to connect and chat with friends online.

A. Because I can be someone else in the game (Identification)

B. Because they're a fun way to pass time (Gratification & Affect)

C. Because it helps me escape from loneliness (Escapism)

D. Because I enjoy playing with others (Social Interaction)

10. I get really invested in the stories and characters of some video games.

A. Because I feel like I'm living their experiences (Identification)

B. Because it's a way to relax and unwind (Escapism)

C. Because I enjoy the challenges (Goal Orientation)

D. Because I can play with friends online (Social Interaction)

KEY: Cheah, Shimul, & Phau (2022) identified 6 motivations for playing digital games and six key themes that motivate people to play video games. Which category do you most identify with? Add the number of times you selected each category.

1.      Immersion & Flow: Players enjoy getting lost in the game world and experiencing a state of flow, where challenge and skill are balanced.

2.      Gratification & Affect: Positive feelings like accomplishment, enjoyment, and a sense of pride drive players to keep gaming.

3.      Escapism: Video games can be a tool to escape from daily stressors, boredom, or loneliness.

4.      Social Interaction: Playing with friends, communicating, and building relationships are important motivations for some gamers.

5.      Identification: Players may connect with the characters they play as, relating to their personality, skills, or experiences.

6.      Goal Orientation: The desire to complete goals, achieve objectives, and progress within the game is a strong motivator for many players.

 Source

Cheah, I., Shimul, A. S., & Phau, I. (2022). Motivations of playing digital games: A review and research agenda. Psychology & Marketing, 39(5), 937-950.