Formation Mechanisms of Players' Intention to Play Online Games from the Perspective of the Theory of Planned Behavior
Abstract
Online games have become an important form of digital entertainment and mediated social interaction. Their appeal extends beyond competition and leisure because contemporary games also provide social connection, identity expression, emotional regulation, and participatory experiences. This paper reviews the formation of players' intention to play online games through the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), with particular attention to attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control. Existing studies indicate that favorable evaluations of gaming may strengthen intention when players associate online games with enjoyment, achievement, social interaction, or psychological relief. Subjective norm operates through perceived expectations and behaviors of friends, classmates, family members, and gaming communities. Perceived behavioral control concerns whether sufficient time, devices, money, connectivity, and gaming competence are available. The review argues that TPB is especially useful from a communication perspective because gaming decisions are shaped by both individual evaluation and socially mediated influence. Future research should examine emotional processes, platform differences, changing social norms, and the gap between intention and actual play.
References
- Project Group. (2025). Annual development overview of China's game industry: Data based on the 2024 China game industry report.China Digital Publishing, 3, 61-66.
- Zhang, G., & Ding, M. (2022). The impact of video games on intimate relationships: From motivation to behavior.Future Communication, 29, 36-47, 128-129.
- Liu, Y., & Qin, T. (2022). Pseudo-intimate relationships under the "spirit of game": Interactive communication among game players in the mobile social era.Youth Development Forum, 32, 60-69.
- Zhou, F., & Yu, F. (2022). "Digitized" interpersonal relationships: Internet communication practices of young online game players.Contemporary Youth Research, 4, 16-24.
- Ajzen, I. (1991). The theory of planned behavior.Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 50, 179-211.
- Armitage, C. J., & Conner, M. (2001). Efficacy of the theory of planned behaviour: A meta-analytic review.British Journal of Social Psychology, 40, 471–499.
- Ma, Y., & Wang, H. (2024). Construction and analysis of electronic sports user behavior SEM model based on extended theory of planned behavior.Journal of Guangzhou Sport University, 44, 25–33, 90.
- Liu, C., Zheng, X., Zhou, J., & Wu, Y. (2026). The influence of sociocultural environment on e-sports users' consumption behavior: Based on an extended theory of planned behavior model.Journal of Physical Education, 42, 62–70, 95.
- Cui, J., Wang, Z., Yang, K., Yang, Q., Liu, Y., Zhao, R., & Niu, Y. (2023). Development of the attitude towards online game use scale for undergraduates.Chinese Journal of Drug Dependence, 32, 125–129.
- He, J., & Huang, Q. (2023). Domestic mobile game players: Integrating game "grinding," fan enthusiasm, and willingness to pay.Future Communication, 30, 59–69, 137.
- Chang, C. (2013). Examining users' intention to continue using social network games: A flow experience perspective.Telematics and Informatics, 30, 311–321.
- Liu, X., & Xian, B. (2021). Factors influencing adolescents' continuous use of mobile social games.Journal of Shandong University of Science and Technology (Social Sciences), 23, 94–101, 108.
- Wu, D., & Wu, J. (2023). Emotional production, reshaping of time, and the factory-like transformation of games: Game virtual currency as a medium.Modern Communication (Journal of Communication University of China), 45, 44–51.
- Li, J. (2024). Reverse domestication, symbolic labor, and media dependence: The paradox of player subjectivity in the digital game world.Study and Practice, 7, 124–132.