Purpose of Review There are many different factors involved\nin how and why people develop problems with video game\nplaying. One such set of factors concerns the structural characteristics\nof video games (i.e., the structure, elements, and\ncomponents of the video games themselves). Much of the\nresearch examining the structural characteristics of video\ngames was initially based on research and theorizing from\nthe gambling studies field. The present review briefly overviews\nthe key papers in the field to date.\nRecent Findings The paper examines a number of areas including\n(i) similarities in structural characteristics of gambling\nand video gaming, (ii) structural characteristics in video\ngames, (iii) narrative and flow in video games, (iv) structural\ncharacteristic taxonomies for video games, and (v) video\ngame structural characteristics and game design ethics.\nMany of the studies carried out to date are small-scale, and\ncomprise self-selected convenience samples (typically using\nself-report surveys or non-ecologically valid laboratory\nexperiments).\nSummary Based on the small amount of empirical data, it\nappears that structural features that take a long time to achieve\nin-game are the ones most associated with problematic video\ngame play (e.g., earning experience points, managing in-game\nresources, mastering the video game, getting 100% in-game).\nThe study of video games from a structural characteristic perspective\nis of benefit to many different stakeholders including\nacademic researchers, video game players, and video game\ndesigners, as well as those interested in prevention and\npolicymaking by making the games more socially responsible.\nIt is important that researchers understand and recognize the\npsycho-social effects and impacts that the structural characteristics\nof video games can have on players, both positive and\nnegative.
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