21 – When We Play Games: An Overview Using Personality and Gaming Motivation

Videogames have been used over time for many reasons by game players of varying types. While recent years have seen an increase in clinical concerns related to gameplay habits, multiple studies have identified the positive impacts games represent as a means of demonstrating problem solving, imagination, and creativity. During the experience of playing a videogame, the player is often able to customize their experience to the point where personality characteristics often become observable from a research perspective. Researchers exploring the motivations for playing various styles of game have identified many insights with potential applications for expanding the way clinicians can understand players of video games whether they present for treatment or turn to games as a positive expression of their being. This presentation seeks to define connections between personality research, gaming motivations, and insights which could serve useful for deeper understanding of game players with across numerous styles of play.