Videogame Rewards and Prosocial Behaviour

This research investigates the complex relationship between in-game reward structures and the subsequent manifestation of prosocial behavior in real-world settings. The primary thesis posits that the nature of rewards—specifically whether they are perceived as informational or controlling—significantly influences a player’s intrinsic motivation, moral reasoning, and propensity to engage in altruistic acts after gameplay. By examining these mechanisms, the study seeks to provide a clearer understanding of how digital experiences can be designed to foster positive behavioral outcomes.

The methodology involves three distinct online experimental studies utilizing a custom-made videogame to collect both qualitative and quantitative data from participants recruited via the Prolific platform. The first study replicates existing research to establish a baseline for reward-based behavioral manipulation. The subsequent two studies aim to bridge the gap in current literature by testing how informational rewards, which support competence, contrast with controlling rewards, which may undermine autonomy. The research also explores the impact of reward size on post-gameplay behavior, reflecting the multi-faceted reward systems common in commercial gaming.

The scope of this work spans the intersection of human-computer interaction, social psychology, and behavioral science. By analyzing how in-game incentives affect prosocial self-concept and real-life actions like charitable donations, the findings offer significant implications for game developers and researchers alike. Ultimately, the research aims to provide actionable design insights for serious games intended to promote positive social change, while contributing to the broader academic understanding of how virtual environments influence human behavior.