Problematic Gamers Research Articles

Prevention Strategies to Address Problematic Gaming: An Evaluation of Strategy Support Among Habitual and Problem Gamers.

Psychosocial problems arising from excessive gaming are a public health issue across the developed world. In its most serious form, problematic gaming is recognized as gaming disorder (GD) in the ICD-11. Research has tended to focus on the value of outpatient treatment for GD, but less attention has been paid to broader prevention strategies to address less serious but nevertheless harmful gaming behaviors. Another gap in this literature has been the lack of involvement of the gaming community as stakeholders to identify feasible prevention approaches. This study investigated: (1) regular and problematic gamers’ level of support for different prevention strategies within primary, secondary, and tertiary approaches; and, (2) whether self-efficacy is associated with greater support for prevention strategies, as predicted by the Health Belief Model. A total of 992 participants completed an online survey that evaluated support for problem gaming prevention strategies and included measures of self-efficacy, gaming involvement, and GD symptoms, psychological distress, and mental health help-seeking behaviors. Participants reported stronger support for primary prevention strategies, including education, screening, and warning labels, than for other prevention approaches. Overall, 61% of participants expressed support for primary prevention as compared to secondary (39%) and tertiary (36%) approaches. There was stronger support for outpatient care (48%) than inpatient services (25%). In-game shutdown features received the lowest support (65% disapproval). Contrary to the Health Belief Model, self-efficacy was not associated with prevention support. Younger, female, and less frequent gamers were more likely to support primary and secondary prevention strategies. These findings suggest that gamers may be more favorable toward prevention measures aligned with informed decision-making, autonomy, and self-directed actions. Gamers may be strongly opposed to modifications to the structure of gaming activities (e.g., shutdown features). Future research should evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of problem gaming prevention measures in different populations and regions.

Online Gaming and Prolonged Self-Isolation: Evidence from Italian Gamers During the Covid-19 Outbreak.

ObjectiveThe self-isolation measures employed during the COVID-19 pandemic made it dificult for basic needs to be met, thus increasing emotional distress. It has been suggested that socially meaningful online gaming bufered emotional distress during the lockdown. This study aimed to test the protective effect of online gaming during the lockdown and to investigate the diferences between highly involved gamers (those who play videogames intensely without adverse consequences) and problematic gamers in this regard.MethodCapitalizing on a data collection that started before the pandemic, we adopted a cross-sectional between-groups study design in which gaming patterns, gaming-related variables and levels of emotional distress were compared between a pre-COVID group (N=298) and a COVID group (N=366).ResultsCompared to the pre-COVID group, high involvement in gaming was more prominent and emotional distress was decreased in the COVID group. Moderated regression analyses further revealed that the interaction between social compensation via gaming and highly involved gaming was associated with lower levels of emotional distress in the COVID-19 group. In contrast, the interaction between gaming-related relaxation and problematic gaming predicted higher emotional distress in the COVID-19 group.ConclusionsThis study suggests that gaming for social compensation might mitigate the experienced emotional distress during pandemic related self-isolation, whereas maladaptive gaming patterns could constitute a vulnerability factor deserving clinical attention.

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

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).

Gaming addiction, problematic gaming and engaged gaming – Prevalence and associated characteristics

IntroductionGaming disorder was included in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD 11) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) included Internet Gaming Disorder as a tentative diagnosis. Most scholars agree upon the potential risk for pathological use of video games. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of engaged gamers, problem gamers and addicted gamers. The secondary aim was to describe these groups in terms of gender, age, social satisfaction, psychological wellbeing and hours spent chatting on internet/social media. MethodsWe used survey-based data for this population-based research. The data was collected online in two different settings in 2017. In total 2075 participants were included. Results4.5 percent met the criteria for highly engaged gaming, 5.3 percent were shown to be problem gamers and 1.2 percent met the cut off for game addiction. Young age, hours chatting on internet/social media, experiencing loneliness and considering seeking treatment for psychological distress were associated with both engaged, problematic and addictive gaming. Male gender was associated to problematic and addictive gaming. Hours spent chatting showed a greater correlation to problem/addictive gaming than to engaged gaming. ConclusionThe results of this study indicate that both highly engaged gamers, problem gamers and addicted gamers all experience loneliness and psychological distress to a greater extent than the remaining study participants. This adds to the knowledge of prevalence and features of gaming disorder. Additionally, preferably longitudinal research is needed in order to understand causality.

Intrapersonal and interpersonal emotion regulation and identity: A preliminary study of avatar identification and gaming in adolescents and young adults

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between the process of identity formation, emotion regulation (intrapersonal and interpersonal), avatar identification, and gaming in adolescents and young adults. Data (from eight standardized questionnaires) were collected from 37 non-gamers (NGs), 133 non-problematic gamers (NPGs), and 37 problematic gamers (PGs). The results showed that PGs had higher scores in lack of emotional consciousness, lack of emotional clarity, and expressive suppression, while also having lower scores in cognitive reappraisal and interpersonal emotion regulation than NPGs or NGs. They also had higher scores in ruminative exploration and lower scores in exploration in depth. In addition, factors associated with Internet gaming disorder (IGD) differed by gender. In females, lack of emotional clarity, interpersonal emotion regulation, commitment, and in-depth exploration were associated with IGD. In males, however, negative emotions, lack of emotional consciousness, lack of emotional clarity, suppressive expression, and ruminative exploration were associated with the disorder. These results highlighted the need to consider gender specificities when caring for video game-players and using of therapies or psychotherapeutic techniques to improve their emotional processes and promote their identity-construction.

Relationship between problematic gaming and age at the onset of habitual gaming.

Some studies have revealed that a substantial proportion of the younger population has engaged in problematic gaming with even infants recently being able to enjoy video games. However, the relationship between the risk for problematic gaming and age at which habitual gaming starts remains unknown. This study therefore investigated this relationship among adolescents. A survey was conducted at eight public junior high schools across Japan. The questionnaire included items regarding the background, night-time sleep, age at which weekly gaming began, time spent on the Internet and gaming, the Japanese version of Young's Diagnostic Questionnaire, the Ten-Item Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGDT-10), and others. We analyzed 549 participants who engaged in weekly gaming and have played games during the past year. Among the participants, 1.8% were suspected to have Internet gaming disorder (IGDT-10≥5). Bedtime and wake-up time on weekdays and holidays were significantly later among problematic gamers (IGDT-10≥3) than among normal gamers (IGDT-10≤2). Onset of weekly gaming before the age of 5 was associated with a significantly higher risk of problematic gaming than onset of weekly gaming after the age of 10. Our results revealed that the risk for problematic gaming was positively associated with a younger age at which weekly gaming begins. Longitudinal problematic gaming prevention, starting from an early stage, is thus necessary.

Prevention approaches to problem gaming: A large-scale qualitative investigation

Prevention and harm minimization approaches to problem gaming have become a matter of growing public health interest, following the recognition of gaming disorder and hazardous gaming in the ICD-11. The present study was the first to gather firsthand accounts of the potential options and challenges for prevention approaches among regular and problematic gamers. An online survey of 992 adult gamers (N = 221 problem gamers) yielded 1987 text responses to open-ended questions. Qualitative analysis of 53,458 words extracted 9 subcategories. Participants believed that some gaming activities were inherently riskier than others, particularly those with ‘predatory’ in-game spending features (microtransactions) that resemble or facilitate electronic gambling. Some participants supported the introduction of in-game features that might facilitate greater self-monitoring and awareness (e.g., education, playing time notifications, limit-setting). Some participants believed that the gaming industry should proactively support and/or fund prevention schemes and share its player data for the purpose of independent health-focused research. These results highlight some of the complexities in developing population-level approaches to problem gaming, and anticipate some of the practical barriers to gaining support from stakeholders, including the industry and the gaming community. Future research should examine the effectiveness and feasibility of voluntary primary prevention measures in real-world settings.

Perceived problems with adolescent online gaming: National differences and correlations with substance use

BackgroundNot much is known about the correlation between gaming problems and substance use across different countries. This paper presents cross-national analyses of different gaming indicators and their relationship to substance use.MethodsBased on data from the 2015 ESPAD study, differences in the relationship between gaming and substance use across 35 countries were analysed using multi-level logistic regression, using substance use as an individual level predictor, economic wealth as a country-level predictor and a combined problem gaming indicator as the outcome.ResultsMulti-level logistic regressions revealed significant correlations between individual substance use and gaming problems, which varied across countries and were moderated by economic wealth. Students who used alcohol, tobacco or cannabis and who lived in high-income countries had a smaller risk of scoring positively on a combined problem gaming indicator than students who used alcohol, tobacco or cannabis and who lived in less prosperous countries.DiscussionDifferent gaming indicators varied substantially across countries, with self-perceived gaming problems being more common in countries with a low prevalence of gaming. Significant cross-level effects demonstrate the need to take the societal context into account when the relationship between problem gaming and substance use is analysed. Prevention measures need to take the fact into account that patterns of substance use among problem gamers vary across countries.

Perceived problems with adolescent online gaming: National differences and correlations with substance use.

Not much is known about the correlation between gaming problems and substance use across different countries. This paper presents cross-national analyses of different gaming indicators and their relationship to substance use. Based on data from the 2015 ESPAD study, differences in the relationship between gaming and substance use across 35 countries were analysed using multi-level logistic regression, using substance use as an individual level predictor, economic wealth as a country-level predictor and a combined problem gaming indicator as the outcome. Multi-level logistic regressions revealed significant correlations between individual substance use and gaming problems, which varied across countries and were moderated by economic wealth. Students who used alcohol, tobacco or cannabis and who lived in high-income countries had a smaller risk of scoring positively on a combined problem gaming indicator than students who used alcohol, tobacco or cannabis and who lived in less prosperous countries. Different gaming indicators varied substantially across countries, with self-perceived gaming problems being more common in countries with a low prevalence of gaming. Significant cross-level effects demonstrate the need to take the societal context into account when the relationship between problem gaming and substance use is analysed. Prevention measures need to take the fact into account that patterns of substance use among problem gamers vary across countries.

Risk Factors of Problem Gaming and Gambling in US Emerging Adult Non-Students: The Role of Loot Boxes, Microtransactions, and Risk-Taking

Video gaming and gambling have increasingly converged with one another (e.g., social casino games). For emerging adults (18–25 years old), who are already at an elevated risk for addictive disorders, this overlap in these activities may increase the likelihood of problematic involvement. At the moment, Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is being considered as a future medical diagnosis by the American Psychiatric Association. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the potential comorbidity between IGD and gambling disorder (GD) in emerging adults, as well as explore if problematic engagement in gaming and gambling may be explained by recent trends in video game microtransactions (e.g., loot boxes) and risk-taking behaviors. An online survey was completed by 300 emerging adult non-students (Mage = 22.79, 49% male) from across the United States. The results revealed that compared to non-gamers, problematic gamers were 6.45 times more likely to problem gamble and compared to non-gamblers, problem gamblers were 5.62 times more likely to problem game. Microtransactions were the major mechanism for the relationship between IGD and GD. Participants with higher severity levels of either disorder demonstrated a greater likelihood of purchasing microtransactions, in addition to displaying significantly less aversion towards several domains of risk-taking. These findings suggest that emerging adults with probable IGD or GD may share common risk factors and patterns of behavior that transdiagnostic treatment approaches may better serve than syndrome-specific models.

Interdependent Effect of Impulsivity, Sensation Seeking and Addictive Behaviour Including Excess Gaming, Facebooking and Internet Abusing

Impulsivity has been shown to be related to both substance- and non-substance addictions. In the case of internet gaming addiction, on one hand, higher impulsivity and sensation seeking have been reported in problematic online gamers. On the other hand, problematic online gamers were also identified as introverted, socially anxious, and generally inhibited in social behaviour. This review study tried to investigate and correlate the role of dysfunctional impulsivity and sensation seeking in gaming addiction. Online gamers completed a questionnaire that was advertised online and targeted the core of the gaming community. Internet gaming addiction was measured using the Addiction-Engagement Questionnaire. Dysfunctional impulsivity was measured using the 11 items of Dickman’s (1990) sub-scale of the Impulsivity Inventory. Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated for variables and a regression model was constructed using hierarchical linear regression to determine the association between online gaming addiction and dysfunctional impulsivity, while controlling for age, gender, and the frequency of online gaming. A set of chi-square tests were employed to compare the patterns of addiction criteria among highly impulsive addicted gamers and non-impulsive addicted gamers. Dysfunctional impulsivity was a good predictor of gaming addiction (β = .252) which actually explained only about 7% of the addiction variance. Problematic gamers high on impulsivity had similar patterns of addiction criteria as non-impulsive gamers, with only one exception – they had a significantly higher tendency to relapse. There was no role of impulsivity in gaming engagement. The results suggested that dysfunctional impulsivity is a risk factor for online gaming addiction (similar to other addictions), but it does not have prominent explanatory value in itself. Also the results show that problematic gamers high on impulsivity are more prone to relapse and reinstatement.

Measurement, Profiles, Prevalence, and Psychological Risk Factors of Problematic Gaming Among the Turkish Community: A Large-scale National Study

The present study investigated the prevalence, the potential different profiles, and the associated psychological factors of disordered gaming using data from a large-scale epidemiological study (TURBAHAR [Turkey’s Addiction and Mental Health Risk Profile Map Project]) carried out in Turkey in 2018 with 24,494 participants aged 18–81 years. Participants completed a comprehensive survey comprising a demographic questionnaire, Gaming Addiction Risk Questionnaire, Brief Symptom Inventory, Personal Well-Being Index Adult Form, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised Scale. Latent class analysis showed the existence of eight different game profiles, which differed in relation to the intensity and specific features of the behavior. Results showed that 1.6% of the participants were problematic gamers. Being male, being younger, lower education level, being single, using alcohol and cigarettes, psychiatric distress, positive and negative affect, and anxious adult attachment were positively associated with problematic gaming.

Real-world social support but not in-game social support is related to reduced depression and anxiety associated with problematic gaming

Playing video games can become problematic, interfering with gamers’ daily functioning. This problematic gaming is associated with negative mental health outcomes, such as depression and anxiety. Social support, provided in the real-world, can protect against mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. However, previous research on gaming has found that real-world social support for gamers often decreases, while within-game social support increases. Importantly, it is currently unknown whether in-game social support can replace real-world social support in protecting problematic gamers from symptoms of depression and anxiety. To address this, we conducted an online survey (n = 361), recruiting participants from both a general university population and an online campus gaming (E-sports) group. We collected measures of problematic gaming, depression, anxiety, and both real-world and in-game social support, and then conducted a path analysis. In line with previous research, problematic gaming was significantly associated with decreased real-world social support and increased in-game social support. However, only real-world social support was then associated with reduced depression and anxiety, while in-game social support was unrelated to both. Problematic gaming also retained a significant direct effect on depression and anxiety. Maintaining real-world social support should be encouraged in the face of problematic gaming behaviors.

RETRACTED ARTICLE: Insomnia, sleepiness, anxiety and depression among different types of gamers in African countries

Gaming has increasingly become a part of life in Africa. Currently, no data on gaming disorders or their association with mental disorders exist for African countries. This study for the first time investigated (1) the prevalence of insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, anxiety and depression among African gamers, (2) the association between these conditions and gamer types (i.e., non-problematic, engaged, problematic and addicted) and (3) the predictive power of socioeconomic markers (education, age, income, marital status, employment status) on these conditions. 10,566 people from 2 low- (Rwanda, Gabon), 6 lower-middle (Cameroon, Nigeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal, Ivory Coast) and 1 upper-middle income countries (South Africa) completed online questionnaires containing validated measures on insomnia, sleepiness, anxiety, depression and gaming addiction. Results showed our sample of gamers (24 ± 2.8 yrs; 88.64% Male), 30% were addicted, 30% were problematic, 8% were engaged and 32% were non-problematic. Gaming significantly contributed to 86.9% of the variance in insomnia, 82.7% of the variance in daytime sleepiness and 82.3% of the variance in anxiety [p < 0.001]. This study establishes the prevalence of gaming, mood and sleep disorders, in a large African sample. Our results corroborate previous studies, reporting problematic and addicted gamers show poorer health outcomes compared with non-problematic gamers.

Investigating properties of imagery-induced flash-forwards and the effect of eye movements on the experience of desire and craving in gamers

Vivid and emotionally laden imagery is a symptom across a wide range of psychiatric disorders. Flash-forwards describe the mental simulation of anticipated future events which might also be relevant in the context of gaming disorder. The aim of this laboratory study was to investigate flash-forwards and the experience of desires and craving in gamers, and to examine the effect of eye movements on their vividness and related desires. A sample of 77 gamers formed a mental picture of themselves gaming in the future and rated the vividness and emotionality of this imagination, and their current desire and craving for gaming. Thereafter, one half of the gamers conducted a dual task (i.e., horizontal eye movements while retrieving the picture), whereas the other half let their eyes rest on the middle of the computer screen while retrieving the picture (non-dual task). Vividness of the flash-forward and intensity of desire and craving were again measured after the dual or non-dual task. In the overall sample, more imagery-related desire correlated positively with associated positive affect and vividness of flash-forwards. However, in a subsample of problematic gamers, flash-forwards are experienced less vivid and less pleasurable with increasing symptom severity. Eye movements while retrieving the flash-forwards led to significantly decreased ratings of imagery-related desire intensity, which was not the case for the non-dual condition. Results suggest different properties of flash-forwards between recreational and problematic gamers. Moreover, an attention-demanding task taxing the working memory seems beneficial for reducing desires related to imagery-induced flash-forwards.

Are Loot Boxes Addictive? Analyzing Participant’s Physiological Arousal While Opening a Loot Box

Loot boxes in video games have blurred the lines between gaming and gambling. Research suggests the thrill from gambling comes from associated increases in physiological arousal not possible monetary gains. Gamers performing microtransactions to purchase loot boxes can lead to similar increases in physiological arousal. However, problematic gamblers no longer receive increases in arousal and become hyposensitive to reward. This hyposensitivity may also be present in problematic gamers. Twenty-five adult male participants took part in the within-participant design experiment measuring heart rate (HR) and galvanic skin response (GSR) while they were gaming and performing a microtransaction. GSR increased from baseline. HR decreased while performing a microtransaction. There was a negative correlation between gaming addiction scores and participants’ physiological arousal. The increases in arousal suggest microtransactions in gaming could potentially lead to problematic levels of use, while hyposensitivity could explain the higher gaming addiction relating to lower arousal during gameplay.

Normative, passionate, or problematic? Identification of adolescent gamer subtypes over time.

Background and aimsFor most youngsters, gaming is a fun and innocent leisure activity. However, some adolescents are prone to develop problematic gaming behavior. It is therefore important to have a comprehensive understanding of psychosocial and game-related characteristics that differentiate highly engaged gamers from problematic gamers. To that end, this study evaluated the stability and consistency of Internet gaming criteria (as suggested by the DSM-5) and psychosocial characteristics in a two-wave longitudinal study including 1928 young adolescents (mean age = 13.3 years, SD = 0.91, 57% boys).MethodsA confirmatory factor analysis revealed good stability of the Internet gaming disorder (IGD) construct over time. Latent class analyses revealed three classes for boys (recreational, engaged, and problematic) and two classes for girls (recreational and engaged).ResultsSignificant differences between classes emerged for problem criteria (conflict and problems in social life), gaming duration, impulsivity, social competence, and attention/hyperactivity. The absence of a problematic gaming class for girls suggests that girls are less likely to develop problematic gaming behavior.DiscussionThe IGD criteria as proposed by the DSM-5 are a helpful tool to identify problematic gamers, although the results of this study suggest that using a strict cut-off point might result in false positives, particularly for boys. Problem criteria appeared to be the most sensitive and specific in identifying the problematic gamer, whereas escapism criteria were the least specific and sensitive. Careful consideration of the current proposed criteria to identify problematic gaming behavior could benefit the research and clinical field.

Personality and Psychological Factors of Problematic Internet Gamers Seeking Hospital Treatment.

Introduction: Previous studies on internet gaming disorder (IGD) have reported an association between personality traits and impulsive or problematic use of the internet or internet games, but the results obtained were inconsistent. Our study’s hypothesis was that personality traits are associated with the individual’s choice to play internet games, and psychological status of the individual is associated with seeking treatment for addictive behavior at a hospital. Method: In the current study, individuals who reported excessive internet gaming and visited the hospital for treatment were enrolled and defined as the problematic internet gaming group; through advertisement, additional 138 individuals who were frequent gamers and 139 who were infrequent gamers were recruited. In a multiple logistic regression analysis of all participants’ data, a discrete set of hierarchical variables, with gaming preference (frequent gamers + problematic gamers) or problematic internet gaming as the dependent variable, was added to the demographic factors for model 1, personality traits for model 2, and psychological state for model 3. Results: Temperament was a potential factor associated with internet gaming preference. Additionally, model 2, which comprised both demographic factors and personality traits, was a significant factor to enhance the predictability of internet gaming preference with maximum accuracy of 96.7%. Of the three models in the current study, model 2 and model 3 with combined model 2 and patient’s psychological status were associated with problematic internet gaming. Discussion: The current study indicated that personality traits were potential factors associated with the individual’s preference for gaming. In addition, abnormal psychological status, especially, depressive mood and attention deficit, may lead individuals with problematic internet gaming to seek treatment at the hospital.

Unfair play? Video games as exploitative monetized services: An examination of game patents from a consumer protection perspective

Video games as a consumer product have changed significantly with the advent of in-game purchasing systems (e.g., microtransactions, ‘loot boxes’). This review examines consumer protections related to in-game purchasing by anticipating some of the potential design strategies that might contribute to higher risk consumer behavior. Attention was directed towards the analysis of patents for potential in-game purchasing systems, with 13 identified on Google Patents. The design features were analysed in relation to the consumer rights and guarantees described in the terms of use agreements of the patent assignees. The analysis revealed that some in-game purchasing systems could be characterized as unfair or exploitative. These systems describe tactics that capitalize on informational advantages (e.g., behavioral tracking) and data manipulation (e.g., price manipulation) to optimize offers to incentivize continuous spending, while offering limited or no guarantees or protections (e.g., refund entitlement), with the potential to exploit vulnerable players (e.g., adolescents, problematic gamers). These findings are critically discussed in relation to behavioral economics, addiction psychology, and the clinical conceptualization of gaming disorder. Appropriate policy and consumer protection measures, psychologically informed interventions, and ethical game design guidelines are needed in order to protect the interests and wellbeing of consumers.

Gaming Motivations as a Guide to Treating Problematic Gaming Behaviors

With the recent edition of Gaming Disorder to the ICD-11, it is imperative for clinicians to explore avenues to treat individuals who may seek treatment for videogame-related difficulties. An important factor in treating addictive behavior disorders is to select adaptive, appropriate replacement behaviors. Thus, this study explored typical non-gaming-related activities enjoyed by gamers as predicted by their gaming interests, with a goal of predicting targeted replacement behaviors based on gamer motivations. Online data were collected for 216 participants. Each participant completed a Gamer Motivation Profile and a General Interests Profile, and multiple regression analyses were conducted to test the degree to which gaming motivations also predicted interest in other, non-gaming-related activities. A number of significant, meaningful results emerged, both in positive and negative directions. For example, socially motivated gamers tended to also enjoy social activities outside of gaming, while showing decreased interest in creative activities. Similarly, immersion-oriented gamers tended to have higher interest in Intellectual activities, with decreased interest in Social activities and in Vacationing. Preliminary results revealed insights that can be used by clinicians in making targeted recommendations of replacement behaviors for problematic gamers, based on their specific Gamer Motivation Profiles.