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Being tired but still Gaming? Exploring associations between gaming motivations, passion, gaming burnout and quitting intentions

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  • Zhang, Zizhong
  • Yue, Yongjie
  • Jiang, Qiaolei

Abstract

Historically, gaming and leisure are inherently interconnected, yet some players experience burnout during gaming, leading to a behavior pattern of “being tired but still gaming.” This study aims to conceptualize and operationalize gaming burnout as a multi-dimensional negative experience that mirrors work burnout, encompassing emotional exhaustion, diminished sense of achievement, and depersonalization within gaming contexts. Based on the expanded Chain Stressors-Strain-Outcome model, the study explores the association between gaming burnout, motivation, passion, and intention of quitting, thus addressing the mechanisms underlying the “being tired but still gaming” phenomenon. Through a survey among 597 Onmyoji players with over a year of gaming experience, the results indicated that the intensity of gaming motivation was associated with passion and gaming burnout positively. However, different types of gaming motivations were associated with either harmonious or obsessive passion, but not with both passions simultaneously. Gaming burnout could influence intention of quitting while obsessive passion could moderate their relationship. Players with high obsessive passion, even if tired, were less likely to quit gaming. This study expands the research boundaries of problematic gaming behaviors and challenges the conventional uses and gratifications theory, offering possibilities for future playbourer research.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhang, Zizhong & Yue, Yongjie & Jiang, Qiaolei, 2026. "Being tired but still Gaming? Exploring associations between gaming motivations, passion, gaming burnout and quitting intentions," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 84(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:84:y:2026:i:c:s0160791x25003100
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2025.103120
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