Self-Determination Theory for Multiplayer Games

A key to designing for digital thriving lies in a deep understanding of player motivations. Such insight allows us to craft experiences that truly resonate with players while navigating the complex social dynamics of multiplayer environments.

The three pillars of motivation

Creating truly engaging multiplayer experiences hinges on understanding what motivates players. Self-Determination Theory (SDT) offers a powerful lens for examining these desires and thoughtfully crafting online worlds that foster cooperation, satisfaction, and a thriving community. 

SDT identifies three fundamental psychological needs that drive players in multiplayer settings:

• Autonomy — The feeling of control over one’s actions and a sense of agency within the game world. In a multiplayer context this translates to having the freedom to play to one’s strengths and contribute meaningfully. For example, allowing players to choose their own path within a shared world, customizing their character’s appearance and abilities, or deciding how to approach challenges.
• Competence — The ability to develop skills and experience a sense of mastery is highly motivating. Games should support a learning curve with achievable challenges that allow players to improve individually and contribute effectively. For example, a well-designed progression system that rewards both personal growth and teamwork, offering clear feedback on performance, and providing opportunities for skill development.
• Relatedness — Humans are social creatures, and the desire to connect and feel a sense of belonging is strong. In multiplayer games this can be fostered through shared experiences, social interaction features like chat systems or guilds, and a sense of community. For example, games that encourage teamwork, celebrate collaborative victories, and provide meaningful ways for players to interact and build relationships with one another.

When games fail to address these core needs, players can become disengaged or disruptive. If a game offers limited ways to engage or express oneself and punishes mistakes harshly, for instance, players may feel discouraged and churn, or take out those frustrations on others.

Intrinsic and extrinsic motivation

SDT distinguishes two types of motivation: 

• Intrinsic motivation — The inherent enjoyment and satisfaction derived from an activity itself. For example, a player who enjoys exploring a game world for the sheer joy of discovery or a player who relishes mastering complex game mechanics
• Extrinsic motivation — Driven by external factors like rewards, recognition, or avoiding punishment. For example, a player who completes daily quests to earn in-game currency or a player who participates in a tournament for the chance to win a prize.

There is also a concept called “integrated regulation.” This is when a person internalizes an extrinsic goal and aligns it with their personal values and identity. For example, someone might initially pursue a high-paying job for the money (extrinsic), but then come to deeply value the work itself and the contribution they’re making (intrinsic).

Designing for intrinsic motivation

Fostering intrinsic motivation is key to creating games that players truly love. When players feel autonomous, competent, and connected, they are more likely to be:

• Engaged — Players are deeply invested in the game’s world and actively participate in the community.
• Resilient — Players naturally overcome challenges and keep coming back for more, fostering long-term engagement.
• Satisfied — Players derive genuine enjoyment from the gameplay experience and the connections they make with others.

To foster intrinsic motivation, empower players with agency and control, provide opportunities for growth and mastery, and create a welcoming environment that promotes positive social interactions.

Designing for extrinsic motivation

Extrinsic motivation, on the other hand, can be a powerful tool in a design toolbox, helping to smooth out a players experience in a way that enhances their overall enjoyment. Use such motivators to:

• Enhance intrinsic enjoyment — Rewards can complement intrinsic motivation by providing positive reinforcement, celebrating achievements, and fueling the desire for continued engagement.
• Provide direction or structure — In a vast or complex game world, extrinsic motivators like quests, challenges, or progression systems can give players a sense of purpose and direction.
• Encourage exploration and experimentation — Rewards can entice players to try new activities, explore different areas, or engage with systems they might not otherwise discover.
• Nudge social harmony — Though our desire to fit in is arguably intrinsic, explicit social validation and positive reinforcement from others can be a powerful external motivator.
• Bring goals into alignment — Even with the best designs, player desires will not always align. When done thoughtfully, explicit rewards can help players choose to go with the group.

Developers should approach extrinsic motivations strategically and thoughtfully, considering their impact on both player experience and long-term engagement. Overuse or misuse can have consequences:

• Overjustification Effect — Relying too heavily on rewards can undermine intrinsic motivation, making the activity feel like work.
• Short-term focus — Players may prioritize rewards over meaningful engagement, leading to shallow or exploitative gameplay.
• Unhealthy play patterns — Unethical use of rewards can create addictive patterns or foster unhealthy competition.

The key is to strike a balance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Design a core gameplay experience that is intrinsically rewarding, and then use extrinsic motivators to enhance that experience, provide direction, and encourage desired behaviors. Always prioritize player well-being and avoid designs that exploit vulnerabilities or create unhealthy dependencies.

Finding the right balance

The ideal balance of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula. It depends on the game’s genre, target audience, and overall design philosophy. Remember, no player is purely motivated by one or the other — individual preferences and situational factors always come into play. A game that feels like a chore won’t spark intrinsic joy, even if it ticks all the genre boxes.

To design for a healthy balance, consider these guiding principles:

• Start with intrinsic motivation — Design the core gameplay to be intrinsically enjoyable and engaging. Extrinsic motivators should enhance not replace this enjoyment.
• Don’t overshadow the fun — Introduce rewards and progression systems thoughtfully, ensuring they align with the game’s core values and goals. Guide players toward meaningful experiences.
• Diversity rewards — Cater to different player preferences by offering a variety of rewards beyond just loot or currency. Consider cosmetic items, social recognition, new gameplay options, narrative progression, or even personalized touches like custom animations.
• Prioritize player well-being — Always consider the potential impact of extrinsic motivators on player well-being. Avoid designs that exploit vulnerabilities or promote unhealthy behaviors, like unnecessary competition or obsessive play.
• Focus on meaningful progression — Design progression to evoke feelings of satisfaction and accomplishment, not compulsion or frustration. Think of the difference between the rewarding feeling of crafting a new tool in a survival game versus the anxiety of constantly checking for missed upgrades.
• Empower player choice — Let players set their own goals and pursue activities that align with their interests. Avoid overly rigid systems that force them down specific paths.
• Think about timing — Research suggests that immediate rewards can boost intrinsic motivation more than delayed rewards. This is because immediate feedback or gratification can create a stronger association between the activity and positive feelings.

By approaching extrinsic motivation with a player-centric mindset and a focus on ethical design, developers can create games that are both rewarding and enjoyable for the long term.

Applying SDT in multiplayer game design

Game designers can also explicitly use SDT principles to create features and mechanics that address these core needs. Here are some examples:

• Autonomy — Offer players diverse character builds, roles, and approaches to achieving objectives. This allows them to find a playstyle that suits them and contribute meaningfully to the team. For instance, a MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) could offer a variety of heroes with unique strengths and weaknesses, catering to different strategic preferences.
• Competence — Implement a well-defined progression system that rewards both individual skill development and teamwork. This could involve separate experience points for personal growth and team victories. Consider matchmaking systems that place players of similar skill levels together, fostering a sense of fair competition and allowing everyone to experience success.
• Relatedness — Facilitate social connection through communication tools and team-oriented goals. Celebrate collaboration to reinforce the importance of community. Even parallel play, with its focus on individual enjoyment within a shared context, promotes feelings of belonging with the right social-systems support.

Balancing these player needs with specific game genres or mechanics can be challenging. For example, some competitive games might inherently have less player autonomy or require specific contributions from players. In these cases, help ensure that expectations are managed carefully so players recognize the limits in autonomy, and look for ways to lift up and celebrate player contributions and success.

Building a thriving multiplayer ecosystem

By focusing on the principles of Self-Determination Theory, game designers can create not just engaging multiplayer experiences, but thriving online ecosystems that empower players and foster a strong sense of community. When players feel a sense of autonomy, competence, and relatedness within the game, they are more likely to become active participants, positive contributors, and dedicated members of the community. This creates a welcoming environment that attracts new players and keeps existing ones engaged for the long term. 

Ultimately, designing for our fundamental psychological needs allows developers to craft games that resonate with players on a deeper level. This in turn fosters a sense of ownership, accomplishment, and belonging that can help communities truly thrive.

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References

• Ryan, R. M. & Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. 
• Rigby, S. & Ryan, R. M. (2011). Glued to Games: How Video Games Draw Us In and Hold Us Spellbound.

Further reading

• Hodent, C. (2021). The Psychology of Video Games.