« Je suis un gamer ! » au-delà des stéréotypes, les enjeux d’une identité passionnelle

Abstract

Context and objectivesNumerous scientific studies have focused on the psychological profiles and motivations to play of video gamers with problematic or excessive use of video games. However, this subset of gamers is not representative of the gaming community. The present study aims at exploring the personality profiles of gamers in non-clinic population and their motivations to play in order to identify possible differences or similarities with the profiles of non-gamers and problematic gamers. Methods and populationWe assessed personality traits (Big Five Inventory) and motivations to play (Motivation to Play in Online Games Questionnaire) of 883 francophone adults through an online survey. Our sample included non-gamers, people who play exclusively offline and people who play online (casual gamers, regular gamers and hardcore gamers). ResultsOffline gamers, regular gamers and hardcore gamers have lower levels of Extraversion than non-gamers. Hardcore gamers have higher levels of Agreeableness than non-players. The more people tend to be involved in video gaming, the more their Neuroticism scores and their motivation to play increase. ConclusionsGamers in general population appear to have personality profiles that are quite similar to non-gamers personality profiles. Further research is needed to identify a possible “tipping point” between high investment in video games (hardcore gamers) and excessive gaming (problematic gamers).