Videogames Fill Psychological Needs for Players

codegen writes "The CBC (among others) is reporting that researchers at the University of Rochester and Immersyve Inc. have released a study indicating that people enjoy video games because they satisfy a psychological need. The study showed that the interrelations between players in MMOGs were particularly important. From the article: 'Gamers said they felt the best about their experience when the games they played produced positive outcomes in scenarios related to the real world ... The researchers evaluated players' motivations in virtual worlds by asking four groups of people to play different games, including a genre known as massively multiplayer online (MMO) games, which some industry watchers regard as the future of video games.'"

Doesn't it seems obvious to you?

[partenon]

... indicates that people enjoy video games because they are satisfying at a fundamental psychological level.

... but instead a sense of achievement, freedom and even social connectedness.

The draw of video games "also can be experienced as enhancing psychological wellness, at least short-term," ...

Everything in this article seems pretty obvious to me... Just put some researchers playing WoW for a week and I bet a better research would came out.

Re:So wait, are all videogames MMOGs now?

[petro6]

They tested other kinds of games too.
Here's the abstract [metapress.com] It's kinda saying. Folks feel good when they play video games, rather, when they feel good, while a player's needs are met while they play a game, they are likely to enjoy it more, and play more. MMO games seem to fulfill more needs and that is why they are so addictive.

Re:This just in

[Anonymous Coward]

Link? :)

http://www.secondlife.com/ [secondlife.com]. Really. Just wander out of the nice PG areas, ask around, and...

I find it disheartening, myself.

Re:Duh

[drinkypoo]

I dont play for "entertainment" as much as I am entertained by what the game offers.

I don't eat for "sustenance" as much as I am sustained by what food offers.