WHY DO THEY CONSIDER THEMSELVES TO BE 'GAMERS'?: THE 7Es OF BEING GAMERS

摘要

Video games are not just a favorite pastime among youth and adults, but they are also a multi-billion dollar industry (NPD Group, 2012.) In spite of the fact that playing electronic games is becoming an important fact of modern life, practically no research has been done to find out why some who play video games consider themselves to be "gamers". Using qualitative data this study explores the various facets or characteristics of being a gamer, as described by those who consider themselves to be gamers. The results of this study indicate that there are at least 7Es related to being a gamer and these are: engagement, enjoyment, equipment, existential, experience, expertise, and extent. This study also found that there could be what can be labeled a "gamer divide" or "gamer gap" among male and female game players.