Understanding the Desire to Play Violent Video Games: An Integrative Motivational Theory

The effects of playing violent video games are well-documented; however, relatively little research has investigated why much of the world's population plays these games. We present a novel theory to explain the motivational pull of violent video games: the integrative motivational theory of violent video games (IMT-VVG). Violent video games resonate with players because they offer opportunities to fulfill psychological needs and motivations for obtaining status, feeling dominant, and feeling like a high-quality intimate partner. Violent video games may also provide psychological protection against the fear of death by allowing players to inure themselves to dangerous situations. They may also allow for the expression and regulation of anger. Unlike traditional play fighting, violent video games can be played by nearly everyone regardless of physical capacities. Thus, a much broader swathe of humanity can experience these effects of violent video games. The IMT-VVG explains potential negative effects elicited by violent video game play such as the tendency for sexism in some male gamers. Individual differences contribute to the motivation to play violent video games; people more likely to play are from low status groups, desire to maintain their high status through dominance, and have a strong interest in sex. Future directions informed by the IMT-VVG may investigate possible prosocial effects of violent video games (e.g., leadership, helping team members) and whether violent video games can be beneficial to people from low status groups (e.g., increasing agency).