Gaming Experiences in Argentinean Adult Gamers.

This study aimed at analyzing gaming experiences in Argentinean gamers, studying their sociodemographic characteristics, and analyzing a gamer experience scale. Sample was non-probabilistic and composed of 201 Argentinean adults (over 18 years old) of the general population that played videogames. The majority were between 25 and 45 years old (M = 40.9 years; SD = 15.5; 55.2% female; 43.3% male; 1% non-binary; 0.5% another gender). Statistical analyzes included Pearson's r tests, Student's t tests, ANOVAs, X², Latent Class Analysis and classical (psychometric) test theory analysis. The observed sociodemographic characteristics replicated international reports. Two latent classes of gamers were identified: one composed mostly by male players, younger that 40 years, who preferred hardcore games and who were moderate or heavy players; the other one was mostly conformed by women, 40 years old or older, who preferred casual games and who were light or moderate players. The Gamer Experience Scale presented appropriate psychometric properties and was composed by 18 items grouped in two differentiated scales: Positive Experiences and Negative Experiences. It was observed that positive and negative experiences are not mutually exclusive but rather increase with video game use. Age and gender introduce differences in video game use and should be statistically controlled in any study carried out in gamer population. Additionally, the complete spectrum of videogame experiences should be always considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]