The pleasures of success: game-related efficacy experiences as a mediator between player performance and game enjoyment

Cyberpsychol Behav Soc Netw. 2011 Sep;14(9):555-7. doi: 10.1089/cyber.2010.0358. Epub 2011 Feb 22.

Abstract

In the present study, the interplay of player performance, game-related self-efficacy experiences, and the resulting effects on game enjoyment are investigated. We hypothesized that a player's performance stimulates enjoyment via its potential to stimulate game-related self-efficacy experiences. In a laboratory setting, participants (N = 213) played a jump 'n' run game. Their performance during game play was recorded by log-file software, and efficacy and enjoyment were assessed with questionnaires. As predicted, both player performance and game-related self-efficacy experience were significant predictors of enjoyment. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that game-related self-efficacy experience significantly mediates the relationship between player performance and game enjoyment.

MeSH terms

  • Achievement
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Play and Playthings*
  • Pleasure*
  • Psychomotor Performance
  • Self Efficacy*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Video Games*