The Role of Communication in Video Game Enjoyment

Abstract

The video games industry continues a meteoric rise in global popularity, overtaking both the film and music industries combined in annualized revenue. Measurement tools and other instruments for the detection of video game enjoyment are limited within the industry, largely focusing on psychometric measurement tools, like the Game Enjoyment Questionnaire (GEQ), which are exclusively identifying parametric qualities of communicative discourse. The present study proposes a Game Enjoyment Index (GEI), drawing from a quantitative survey questionnaire featuring communication as a central component of game enjoyment. I will test several hypothesized relationships to determine the important role of communication for players of video games. I will then discuss the implications of the findings for communication theory and the future. Results supported a positive relationship to the length of time communicating about games and increased playtime. I found nonverbal communication and relatability were positively correlated, leading to increased communication about game experiences. More communication about gaming was associated with increased video game spending; those who talk about games spend more on games. I found support for the hypothesis that techno-accessibility positively influences game communication behavior and enjoyment. The GEI also uncovered a significant spending difference in the monthly game purchasing habits of single versus married males. Additionally, I discovered that those earning less than or equal to $25K USD a year did not prefer social video game features, while those making between $50–75K USD a year were the most likely to care about and be influenced by social features. This paper discusses the implications of these findings for future game theory and research.