Examining the Motivations for Playing Digital Sports Games: The Case of Kastamonu University

Abstract

This study examines the factors determining the motivation of Kastamonu University students to play digital sports games. Fifty-two students, randomly and voluntarily selected from different faculties, participated in the research. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form and the Digital Sports Games Motivation Scale (DSOMÖ) and evaluated using normal distribution tests, parametric and non-parametric analyses (t-test, ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis) in the SPSS programme. The findings indicate that the dimensions of entertainment and social interaction are particularly decisive in students' orientation towards digital sports games. Furthermore, it was found that female students' overall motivation levels were significantly higher than those of male students. Given the limited research on digital sports game motivation in Turkey, this study makes a unique contribution to the literature and demonstrates that digital sports games are not merely a recreational activity for young people, but also a tool that fulfils their social and psychological needs.

Keywords

• Digital Sports Games
• e-Sports
• University Students
• Team Loyalty
• Entertainment
• Fantasy
• Competition
• Socialisation
• Stress Relief

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