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Self-control and demand for commitment in online game playing: evidence from a field experiment

Author

Listed:
  • Dan Acland

    (University of California)

  • Vinci Chow

    (Chinese University of Hong Kong)

Abstract

We conduct an experiment on an online game, exploring the effect on gameplay behavior of voluntary commitment devices that allow players to limit their gameplay. Approximately 25% of players use the devices. Median and 75th percentile device users use devices approximately 60 and 100% of the time, respectively. Players who chose to use the device were those who had previously played longer and more frequently than those who chose not to use the device. Offering the commitment devices decreased session length and session frequency by 2.8 and 6.1%, respectively, while increasing weeks of play by 5.5%. Our results are consistent with some players having self-identified self-control problems, leading to longer and more frequent play than they would prefer, and to demand for commitment, and also with commitment devices creating a more rewarding experience, leading to longer-lasting involvement with the game. Our results suggest incentivizing or requiring commitment devices in computer games.

Suggested Citation

  • Dan Acland & Vinci Chow, 2018. "Self-control and demand for commitment in online game playing: evidence from a field experiment," Journal of the Economic Science Association, Springer;Economic Science Association, vol. 4(1), pages 46-62, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jesaex:v:4:y:2018:i:1:d:10.1007_s40881-018-0048-3
    DOI: 10.1007/s40881-018-0048-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Nava Ashraf & Dean Karlan & Wesley Yin, 2006. "Tying Odysseus to the Mast: Evidence From a Commitment Savings Product in the Philippines," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, President and Fellows of Harvard College, vol. 121(2), pages 635-672.
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Beshears, John & Choi, James J. & Harris, Christopher & Laibson, David & Madrian, Brigitte C. & Sakong, Jung, 2020. "Which early withdrawal penalty attracts the most deposits to a commitment savings account?," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 183(C).
    2. Ek, Claes & Samahita, Margaret, 2023. "Too much commitment? An online experiment with tempting YouTube content," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 208(C), pages 21-38.
    3. Paul Bettega & Paolo Crosetto & Dimitri Dubois & Rustam Romaniuc, 2023. "Hard vs. soft commitments: Experimental evidence from a sample of French gamblers," Working Papers 2023-05, Grenoble Applied Economics Laboratory (GAEL).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Online games; Self-control; Commitment devices; Online experiment; Libertarian paternalism;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments

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