An empirical validation of consumer video game engagement: A playful-consumption experience approach. Finally, we discuss the implications for future studies. In this chapter, we conduct a rapid scoping review on healthy forms of escapism in games, how it can be characterized, how it is associated with positive player experiences, and how escapism can be emotionally beneficial. Consequently, it is important to demarcate what constitutes a healthy escapism versus subversive escapism. In short, escapism can have both negative and positive consequences, depending on how it is defined. Finally, escapism can provide a healthy form of coping strategy for some players. Similarly, escapism in games can be beneficial for regulating emotions and practicing emotion regulation strategies. Escapism can also act as a mood management strategy, as people tend to play games to avoid negative mood states and induce positive mood states. For instance, mental disengagement via video games helps players decrease their stress levels after stressful activities (e.g., work). However, certain aspects of escapism can also be beneficial. Escapism was found to be associated with negative outcomes such as internet addiction, problematic use, and excessive gaming. Consequently, escapism is one of the common reasons for playing digital games.Įscapism generally has a negative connotation in games research.

Availability of digital games on a broad range of devices (i.e., desktop, mobile, VR) also makes them an easily accessible tool for escapism in daily life. Moreover, most games contain artificial conflicts and actions that have no effect on the real life.

Digital games are conducive to escapism because they take place in a temporally and spatially bounded virtual space that is separated from the real. Escapism is usually defined as avoidance of the real.

Moods game