When game design backfires: unintended consequences on psychological needs

Ha Eun (Grace) Park and Sheau-Fen (Crystal) Yap

Behaviour and Information Technology, 2025, vol. 44, issue 19, 4780-4795

Abstract: Drawing on self-determination theory, this research explores the unintended consequences of game design on players’ psychological needs, specifically relatedness, autonomy, and competence. We address the following research questions: ‘How does game design impact psychological needs? What are the potential negative consequences of this impact?’ Data were collected over 2.5 years of netnography study of an online mobile game community, culminating 11,246 posts. Our findings uncover three mechanisms that explain how game design influences players’ psychological needs. Moving beyond prior research focusing on the positive influences of game features and their role in enhancing hedonic experience, our empirically developed theoretical framework demonstrates how game design can backfire and lead to unintended negative psychological outcomes. This understanding helps gaming service providers navigate the tension between design elements that stimulate flow and immersive experiences, which drive revenues, and those that prioritise consumer welfare. Balancing business interests with social well-being is crucial for promoting responsible game design and achieving a win-win situation that supports long-term gaming business success.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1080/0144929X.2025.2492699

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