Examining the Predictors of Video Game Addiction According to Expertise Levels of the Players: The Role of Time Spent on Video Gaming, Engagement, Positive Gaming Perception, Social Support and Relational Health Indices

This study aimed to examine the predictive relationship between video gaming addiction (VGA) and the level of video gaming competency among video gamers. Additionally, the role of time spent playing video games, video game engagement (VGE), video game positive perception (VGPP), social support and quality of relationships with peers were examined. We recruited 227 participants using the purposive sampling method. Of the participants, 50.20% self-identified as Novice-Amateur video gamers while 49.80% indicated being a regular-expert level players. We collected data from participants utilizing a personal and video games information form and five scales and (video game positive perception, videogame addiction scale, video engagement scale, multidimensional scale of perceived social support and relational health indices). These scales are valid and reliable instruments suitable for research purposes. The primary data analysis method was the Partial least squares- structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Our results demonstrated that the relationship between VGA and VGE differs based on the participants’ video gaming competency level. Another important result is that VGPP has a significant positive relationship with VGA (p < 0.001), VGE (p < 0.001) and video game playing and watching activities (p < 0.001). Furthermore, an increase in the time spent on watching Twitch content is associated with an increased VGA level (p < 0.05). Finally, the time spent on playing video games has different patterns with perceptions of social support according to the level of expertise of the players. This study indicates that VGPP plays a crucial role in predicting VGA and VE and highlights the importance of considering the level of players when examining the relationship between VGA and VE. The conclusions also exhibit that the increasing popularity of esports and video game content tracking may significantly impact VGA. The role of social support in video gaming behaviors varies based on the player’s level of expertise.