Exploring the Uses, Motivations, and Addictive Qualities of Mobile Gaming

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session II
  In Interactive Paper Session: Game Studies Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

Very little research has been published on mobile gaming, as most of the literature has focused on online computer and console gaming. Research is currently underway to explore the uses and gratifications of playing games on mobile devices, as well as potential factors in addiction to or problematic usage of mobile gaming applications. Analysis of the data collected will assist with understanding users’ motivations for online gaming; profile mobile gamers by demographic characteristics and self-reported motivations for game play; and explore how players’ self-reported levels of materialism and perceived social support may influence their mobile gaming behavior. Results from this research will contribute to the small body of literature on mobile gaming in the English language, and hopefully inspire future research on mobile uses, gratifications, and problematic usage.

Author

• Karin Haberlin, University of Connecticut