PhD Thesis Dissertation - Mehmet Kösa

Title: Player Acceptance and Motivation for Games with Emerging Technologies: A Multi Theory Approach in Virtual Reality Gaming and Pervasive Gaming Contexts

PhD Candidate: Mehmet Kösa

Program: Information Systems Department 

Date: 04 June Monday 14:00

Place: Conference Hall-01

Abstract: The research project presented here consists of the studies I undertook throughout my PhD studies. In this research project, I propose a gaming technology acceptance-motivation model (GTAM). The model amalgamates Technology Acceptance Model, Self-Determination Theory and Flow Theory. The aim of the model is to expand knowledge on the acceptance of and motivation for video gaming technologies. Initially, a systematic literature review was conducted to see the state of the art research on hedonic information systems in the information system (IS) literature. The literature review produced salient research question and the results were presented in the light of those research questions. Building on the literature, the model was created. The proposed model was tested using quantitative methods. Data collection was two-fold: First, a cross-sectional survey was carried out in the virtual reality (VR) gaming context and then, a longitudinal diary study was conducted in the pervasive gaming (PG) context to complement the survey. For the survey, structural equation modeling was employed and for the diary study, multilevel analyses were conducted. Therefore, the proposed model was tested with two empirical studies. Results showed that perceived ease of use was the antecedent of autonomy and competence. Also, in addition to flow (immersion and concentration), autonomy and competence predict enjoyment which then predicts attitude and intention play. Studies presented offer theoretical contributions to IS and games research as well as implications for managers and practitioners in the interactive hedonic information system business. The results were discussed and the implications were presented.