Pregledni rad
https://doi.org/10.31299/ksi.33.2.3
Video game characteristics and personality traits as risk factors for the development of gaming addiction
Dora Dodig Hundrić
orcid.org/0000-0002-4767-637X
; Sveučilište u Zagrebu Edukacijsko-rehabilitacijski fakultet
*
Sabina Mandić
orcid.org/0000-0002-7646-6283
; Sveučilište u Zagrebu Edukacijsko-rehabilitacijski fakultet
Zvonimira Javornik
; Osnovna škola Posavski Bregi
* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
Video games are among the most widespread sources of entertainment today. However, for a certain proportion of individuals, their excessive use may lead to the development of addiction. While individual and environmental factors are acknowledged as important predictors, the increasing prevalence of this phenomenon is also linked to specific features of video games that enhance their addictive potential. The main aim of this paper is to analyse recent literature and systematise the current knowledge on the interplay between personality traits, genre- and structure-related characteristics of video games, and the development of addiction. A critical discussion, as well as both research and practical implications are presented.
Key findings indicate that the preference for certain genres, particularly role-playing games (RPGs), first-person shooter (FPS), real-time strategy (RTS), and multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games, is associated with a higher risk of developing gaming addiction. Structural characteristics appear to be an even stronger contributing factor, especially features that resemble gambling, in-game reward and punishment systems, and social components. At the level of personality, lower conscientiousness and higher neuroticism consistently emerge as predictors of problematic gaming, while evidence regarding openness, agreeableness, and extraversion remains inconclusive. Moreover, personality traits tend to shape genre preference, with individuals who score lower on conscientiousness and higher on neuroticism being more likely to favour RPGs and FPS games.
In conclusion, the risk of developing video game addiction is significantly influenced by specific personality traits, characteristics of video games, as well as their mutual interaction. These insights have practical implications for prevention and treatment interventions, as well as for responsible game design practices that account for the protection of at-risk groups. From a scientific perspective, further research is needed, particularly longitudinal studies, to provide a deeper understanding of the complex relationships among these factors.
Ključne riječi
video games; gaming addiction; personality traits; structural characteristics of video games; video game genre
Hrčak ID:
341795
URI
Datum izdavanja:
19.12.2025.
Posjeta: 753 *