Why are you satisfied with an online game? : exploring game attractiveness and gaming climate from a socio-technical perspective

Abstract

Some online games are prosperous and have attracted a large number of players, while others cannot sustain. Both technical and social factors likely affect a player’s satisfaction with an online game. However, there is a clear dearth of studies in which have investigated online games from a socio-technical perspective. This article seeks to address this gap through an empirical study on technical factors (manifesting as game attractiveness) and social factors (manifesting as gaming climate) influencing a player’s satisfaction in an online game. Specifically, game balance and technical quality are manifestations of game attractiveness, while pro-gaming norms, integrity and active participation reflect internal gaming climate. Using online questionnaires, field data were collected from two research sites relating to two online games respectively. The data were then analysed with PLS, revealing that game balance, technical quality, integrity and active participation are positively related to a player’s satisfaction in an online game. The findings suggest that both technical factors (game attractiveness) and social factors (gaming climate) impact a player’s satisfaction in an online game. This study contributes to the literature on online games, and also presents important implications for designers and operators of online games.