The Psychological Mechanisms Behind Serious Gaming and Fun

“Fun in work makes perfection in work”
Aristotle

When the average person thinks of gaming, they often envision pure, unadulterated fun. After all, the primary goal of gaming is to entertain and delight. However, in the realm of “serious gaming,” the objectives extend far beyond mere amusement.

In serious gaming, the primary goal is to drive meaningful behaviour change – an aim that is achieved through the power of entertainment. Even in the most “serious” of contexts, fun and engagement play a crucial role. It’s all about striking the perfect balance between the “serious” and the “game” elements.

But why, you ask, is entertainment so important in this space? What function does it serve when it comes to learning and development? The answer lies in the undeniable power of emotions. By tapping into the user’s emotional experience, serious games can create a lasting impact, leaving participants inspired, motivated, and empowered to enact real change.

Serious gaming and motivation

Let’s dive into the captivating world of motivation, where learning and gaming collide. Motivation is the driving force that determines the intensity, direction, and persistence of our efforts to achieve a goal (Mitchell, 1997). Those with the right motivation are like unstoppable forces, powering through setbacks and obstacles to reach their desired results.
Motivation can be influenced by a variety of factors, both external and internal. Extrinsic motivation is the desire to perform an activity due to an external consequence, such as a reward. Intrinsic motivation, on the other hand, is the desire to do an activity because of the activity itself, not because of an external consequence. Performing an intrinsically motivated activity is a reward in itself.

Serious games use both sources of motivation. The fun and challenge provided in a game stimulate intrinsic motivation, while earning points or other rewards acknowledges the level of performance, providing extrinsic motivation. These rewards are often used to keep the player engaged, but their true power lies in their ability to encourage intrinsic motivation. After all, it’s the joy of the game itself that truly fuels the player’s drive to succeed.

The Self-Determination Theory (SDT)

Let’s dive deeper into how that innate drive to learn and grow is ignited using serious games. According to self-determination theory, humans are naturally curious and eager to expand their knowledge – but to maintain this, it’s crucial that they’re immersed in an environment that stimulates their core needs. This stimulating environment is characterised by three fundamental elements: autonomy, competence, and connectedness. When these three needs are satisfied, individuals will thrive, performing at their best and experiencing personal growth.

Serious games possess all three of these essential components. They offer achievable challenges and establish clear expectations and goals. Additionally, they provide constructive feedback following each action. The more specific the goals and the greater the challenge, the clearer the feedback will be, and the better the overall performance will be. But crucially, these goals must be mutually agreed upon. This intrinsic motivation to achieve a desirable outcome heightens the sense of competence.

Within a game environment, individuals are free to act on their own instincts, unencumbered by external pressures – a key element of autonomy. Furthermore, serious games often involve collaborative efforts to reach a shared objective, fostering a sense of connectedness and belonging.

How do emotions motivate us?

We now understand how intrinsic motivation is stimulated in a serious game, but the importance of fun during learning remains unaddressed. What is the connection between serious games and enjoyment? Emotions play a crucial role in motivation, as the brain’s dopamine reward system is involved. When you receive a reward, your brain releases dopamine, leading to positive emotions like joy and fun. This makes the game alluring, fueling your motivation to continue playing.

Research has also established a link between intrinsic motivation and enjoyment. Individuals who pursue their work goals for intrinsic reasons often perform better and experience greater satisfaction. Regardless of the work culture, people driven by intrinsic interest are more likely to achieve their goals. Even if they ultimately fall short, these individuals remain happier than those who lack intrinsic motivation. Why? Because the very process of working towards an intrinsically valuable goal is enjoyable in itself, irrespective of the outcome. Therefore, the more you enjoy the experience, the higher your intrinsic motivation becomes.