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While video games have evolved as a form of art since the mid-20th century, they are still frequently dismissed as frivolous entertainment. Recent studies are investigating profound gaming experiences. However, the long-term impact of such experiences on individuals often remains under-explored. 

In a recent investigation, University of Washington scholars queried gamers regarding the influence of video games. Among 166 participants, when asked about significant experiences, 78% reported that such instances had transformed their lives. The researchers then identified recurring themes from these answers — including the impact of compelling storytelling — aiming for developers, gamers, and even parents or educators to concentrate on these aspects. 

The group will reveal its conclusions on Oct. 14 at the Annual Symposium on Computer-Human Interaction in Play in Pittsburgh. 

To delve deeper into the research, UW News engaged with lead author Nisha Devasia, a doctoral candidate at UW specializing in human-centered design and engineering; co-senior author Julie Kientz, a UW professor and chair in human-centered design and engineering; and co-senior author Jin Ha Lee, a professor at UW in the Information School. 

What are the most prominent findings in the study?

Nisha Devasia: We emphasized three key takeaways derived from analyzing the data. The first indicates that engaging with games during challenging periods was strongly linked to beneficial results for physical and mental wellness. For instance, during COVID, individuals reported playing games that significantly enhanced their mental well-being, such as Stardew Valley. Others noted that games encouraging movement, or featuring characters with intriguing physical skills, motivated them to explore outdoor activities or new sports. Numerous participants also expressed that they gained profound insights from the game’s narrative. Story-driven games frequently depict a sort of hero’s journey, for example. Individuals conveyed that the insights acquired from these narratives resonated with their own self-exploration and identity formation.

Ultimately, most participants reported these impactful experiences in early adulthood or younger, during which they are still determining their identities and aspirations in the world. Embodying a character and witnessing how your decisions influenced outcomes is particularly distinctive to games, unlike other narrative forms like books or films.

Did any personal stories significantly resonate with you from the survey you conducted?

ND: All the anecdotes about Final Fantasy VII because it’s a game I cherish deeply. I’m currently seated in my childhood bedroom, and the wall behind me is adorned with Final Fantasy VII posters. The quotation we chose for the title also deeply resonated with me: “I would not be this version of myself today without these experiences.” I genuinely cannot envision what my life would entail if I had not enjoyed Final Fantasy VII during its release. 

Individuals also stated things like, “This helped me cultivate the skills that eventually became my career. I learned programming because I wanted to develop games.” I’ve worked in the gaming sector and can affirm that this holds true for many individuals within the industry. 

How should these insights influence our societal perspective on gaming?

Julie Kientz: Individuals often tend to simplify technology to binary categories, viewing video games as either good or bad, but there’s considerable subtleness involved. Design is crucial. This study aspires to help clarify the positive aspects involved. Certainly, negative attributes exist — such as toxicity and addiction, for example. Yet, we also observe prospects for growth and connection. Some participants in the study even met their partners through gaming.

Jin Ha Lee: What Nisha studies mirrors my personal experience. As a gamer, I have intentionally chosen specific games to play with my two children to enhance our dialogues. When my daughter engages with games featuring compelling stories, it presents opportunities for us to discuss our lives as we analyze the plot. What are the motivations behind the characters’ actions? Why did they make particular choices? 

As researchers, we create games for educational purposes, for example, to educate individuals about misinformation or AI, or to foster digital civic involvement, aiming to encourage substantial experiences. However, much existing research primarily focuses on the short-term impacts of gaming. This study genuinely aids in understanding what elements cause a game to impact someone’s life meaningfully.

What societal shifts could we implement in our approach to gaming?

JK: Given the tendency to oversimplify issues, some suggested solutions may prove counterproductive. For example, restricting children’s screen time can, in fact, disrupt positive experiences, especially if a child is deeply engrossed in the narrative and bonds with the characters. If, 30 minutes into a game, a child’s Nintendo Switch shuts off due to parental controls, this could undermine their ability to enjoy a rewarding experience. Without conscious use of these regulations, it may lead to children opting for more casual, trivial games, as those can be completed within short durations.

ND: This phenomenon is also reflected in debates regarding game addiction. At times, excessive gaming stems from problematic designs in a game. However, it often represents a reaction to personal challenges in one’s life, and the game serves as a coping mechanism. Our research indicates that there is potential for personal growth within that coping mechanism.

JHL: Additionally, there is value in games and media that we classify as “bad.” You might engage with a game so poorly designed that it becomes a source of memes, and the laughter shared can help foster a sense of community. Online groups can evolve into real-world gatherings and friendships. However, this perspective may not be readily apparent if gaming is solely viewed as something to shield children from.

What technological advancements could enhance the significant impacts of gaming?

JHL: Games naturally possess interactivity and complexity, providing ample opportunities for critical engagement that transcend mere gameplay. Music, art, and storytelling all create avenues for meaningful interactions. Designers can adeptly weave these elements to inspire reflection, evoke emotions, or challenge players’ viewpoints. 

ND: We plan to title our forthcoming study Video Game Book Club. Currently, I’m developing a tool to enable individuals to annotate
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their interaction as though they were jotting notes in the margins of a novel. During your play, a small notification allows you to record a thought. When the session concludes, a display emerges presenting your gameplay footage along with all the annotations you made, which should enable them to contemplate what was on their mind while playing.

We’re additionally developing a reflective chatbot. Following every gaming session that lasts between 30 minutes and an hour, you will engage with this bot that encourages you to analyze the experience critically, similar to how we learn to connect with literature. What stood out the most? How does this relate to your personal life?

Co-authors consist of Georgia Kenderova, a UW doctoral candidate in human-centered design and engineering, and Michele Newman, a UW doctoral candidate at the Information School. This study was supported by the Ramey Research Fund. 

For additional details, reach out to Devasia at [email protected], Kientz at [email protected], and Lee at [email protected].

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