Racial differences in video game preferences

Study finds that MMOs and FPS video games are most often associated with problematic gaming. Also, what kinds of games are preferred by different racial groups?

The finding that MMO and FPS games are more likely to be linked to problematic or unhealthy play is not unexpected given previous research.

Somewhat more interesting are the gaming habits of different ethnicities / races.

Caucasians: Role-playing and strategy games
African Americans: Sports and gambling
Latino: Platformers 

 

Study: MMO and FPS video games most addictive - Is race also a factor?

By Dr. Brent Conrad

A study in the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction indicates that Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPG or MMO) and First Person Shooters (FPS) are most likely to be associated with problem video game play.

Researchers conducted an online survey of 3380 adults who were randomly selected and were considered to be a nationally representative panel. Individuals who reported playing video games for at least one hour in the previous week (37% of all people contacted) were invited to be part of the study.

Participants completed an online questionnaire which asked questions about the types of games they play (16 different video game genres were represented), the amount of enjoyment they get from playing games, and how much time they spend with video games. They also completed the Problem Videogame Playing Scale (PVGP) and provided demographic information (e.g., race, income, education, employment, etc.).

Revealed in the research:

• MMOs and shooters were the most highly correlated with problematic video game play (excessive use of computer or video games which negatively impacted functioning in other areas of their lives).

• Younger players were attracted to MMO, FPS, RPG, and rhythm games, while older players spent more time with card, board, and gambling games.

• Women generally preferred puzzle games, board/card games, and platformers, and spent little time with sports games, role-playing games, shooters, and RTS games.

• White players showed the highest affinity towards role-playing and strategy games, while African American players preferred sports and gambling games. Latino gamers generally gravitated towards platformers.

• Higher levels of education were associated with those who preferred sports and RTS games, while lower levels were associated with gambling and platformers.

• Gamers who were not employed reported higher involvement with gambling and board/card games and low participation in sports games.

• Males were more likely to be classified as problem gamers than females.

• African American gamers tended to play for longer periods per gaming session and reported more enjoyment from video games compared to Caucasians.

• Asians, African Americans, and Native Americans all reported greater degrees of problem video gaming than Whites.

• Having a job is negatively correlated with problematic video gaming habits.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  (Source:  techaddictionblog.wordpress.com, techaddiction.ca)