By Scott Rigby and Richard Ryan

Published in 2011 by Praeger (Santa Barbara, California)

“As games mature, and the average age of gamers continues to rise, we can hope that game scholarship will evolve as well, and Glued to Games” is a good step in that direction.” -Videogamewriters.com

“In this recent book, Rigby and Ryan examine the motivational forces of games from the perspective of self-determination theory and their player experience of needs satisfaction (PENS) model…If you want to read one book that takes a rigorous scientific perspective to how games motivate players this is a good place to start.” –Gamasutra article on Essential Resources for Understanding Motivation

BOOK DESCRIPTION:  Glued to Games: How Video Games Draw Us In and Hold Us Spellbound was released in 2011 and brings the first truly balanced review of the psychology of video game motivation and engagement, based on years of research with thousands of gamers.

The book addresses both the positive and negative aspects of game play by drawing on significant recent studies and established motivational theory [Self-Determination Theory] to explore the fundamental drivers of engagement, how games satisfy basic psychological needs, and how an understanding of these factors can be applied to controversial topics such as video game violence and game addiction.

Filled with examples from popular games and the real experiences of gamers themselves, Glued to Games gets to the heart of gaming’s powerful psychological and emotional allure–the benefits as well as the dangers. It gives everyone from researchers to parents to gamers themselves a clearer understanding of the psychology of gaming, while offering prescriptions for healthier, more enjoyable games and gaming experiences.

You can purchase this book from Amazon.

Other reviews from Amazon…

“Even if you don’t make video games for a living, this book is fascinating from a psychological perspective. Ever wonder why some games, even simple ones, draw in users and get them hooked? This book explains it. I would recommend this to anyone trying to understand the relationship that games and gamers have.”

“Again, I highly recommend “Glued to Games.” Very compelling and credible insights that are a result of digging deeply and methodically into the root drivers of successful games. The style of writing is also very accessible to any type of reader.”