Abstract:

The aim of this research is to reveal the underlying basic psychological needs and the intrinsic motivations of digital game addiction through the experiences of gamers. The theoretical framework of the study is grounded on self-determination theory developed by Deci and Ryan (2000). In addition, this study benefits from the concepts of achievement, social and immersion which are identified as the components for player motivations by Yee (2006) and the concept of immersion coined by Murray (2016). The study embraces phenomenological approach. Snowball sampling is taken for the research. Semi-structured interviews are conducted as a data collection tool. According to the findings, the participants do not position themselves as “game addicts.” The participants mostly play games to satisfy their desire for success, to maintain relationships with friends, to spend their free time and to have fun. As a conclusion, it is found that there is a positive relationship between the act of playing games and autonomy, competence, and relatedness which are identified as basic psychological needs by Deci and Ryan (2000), as well as Yee’s (2006) concepts of achievement, social and immersion and Murray’s (2016) concept of immersion. It is observed that game has a positive contribution to psychological well-being too.

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