Identifying Affective Gameplay Behaviors: How Video Games Help People Feel Better

Video games provide excellent opportunities for people to manage their emotional well-being in everyday settings. In this study, the research team explores how video game players use games to regulate their moods and enhance their emotional and mental well-being to understand affective gameplay needs and behaviors. Using an online focus group study method, ten video game players’ gameplay behaviors and needs were investigated. Findings suggest that repetitive and meditative gameplay mechanics, in-game trophies and the availability of achievements, overall world-building and narrative aspects of the game, and the number of players supported by the game are important elements in supporting individual players’ various affective needs. The current study suggests that providing more options for selections and searches in retrieval and recommendation services to video game players would be helpful in satisfying their diverse affective needs.