Gameplay Enjoyment, Gender, and 19 Individual Characteristics More Influential than Gender

As the scientific understanding of player differences and gameplay enjoyment matures, it becomes necessary for games scholars to ground research trajectories in empirical findings, rather than long-held assumptions. Although observable differences between players may appear to exist along gendered lines, empirical evidence has not been so conclusive. Following a survey of the gameplay preferences, gaming goal orientations, and play habits of 301 participants, a stepwise regression analysis was undertaken to examine gender alongside several other potential predictors of gameplay enjoyment. In the end, gender did not prove to be a substantial predictor of gameplay enjoyment, while gaming goal orientations were the strongest predictors. The results of this study point to several promising variables that should be considered in continued research. Furthermore, this study reaffirms the need for games scholars to focus towards detailed individual characteristics that can provide deep insights into player experiences.