The influence of game elements on user intrinsic motivation
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2025-07-10
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en
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The purpose of this thesis is to research the influence of individual game elements, i.e. points, badges, leaderboards and feedback, on intrinsic motivation of users of a gamified application. Using a deductive, qualitative research method based on ten semi-structured interviews, this thesis examines how each game element interacts with the basic psychological needs of self-determination theory, i.e. autonomy, competence and relatedness, and how, through these needs, the game elements influence intrinsic motivation. The results provide mixed findings between the game elements. While the leaderboard and feedback more clearly positively influence intrinsic motivation, the influence of points and badges on intrinsic motivation seems to depend on whether there are rewards attached to them. When there are rewards attached to points and badges, they are at risk of shifting user motivation from intrinsic motivation to extrinsic motivation. By addressing the underexplored role of the influence of individual game elements on intrinsic motivation, this thesis contributes to both theory and practice. It highlights the importance to design individual game elements in such a way that they support the basic psychological needs of users and by doing so influence intrinsic motivation.
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Faculteit der Managementwetenschappen