Specific minimal psychological requirements are necessary for successful gamification
Multiple studies demonstrate that successful gamification relies on addressing core psychological needs such as autonomy, competence, and relatedness, as framed by self-determination theory.
The retrieved papers consistently utilize Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Basic Psychological Needs Theory (BPNT) to explain the effectiveness of gamification across diverse contexts such as health, learning, and human resources. The literature indicates that addressing specific psychological requirements—specifically autonomy, competence, and relatedness—is central to successful gamification design.
Frank J. Kachanoff. A Group-Conscious Approach to Basic Psychological Needs Theory. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780197600047.013.56
Supports the premise by establishing basic psychological needs theory, focusing on autonomy, relatedness, and competence.
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Polina Beloborodova, Kirk Warren Brown. Mindfulness and the Satisfaction of Basic Psychological Needs. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780197600047.013.9
Shows that satisfying basic psychological needs is critical for psychological functioning and engagement.
Florian Brühlmann. Gamification From the Perspective of Self-Determination Theory and Flow. 2018. https://doi.org/10.31237/osf.io/6kauv
Utilizes self-determination theory as a foundational framework for understanding gamification effectiveness through psychological needs.
Bahar Kutun, Alke Martens, Werner Schmidt. MOTIVATIONAL POWER OF GAMIFICATION: THE EFFECT OF PLAYFUL LEARNING ON PSYCHOLOGICAL NEEDS OF SELF-DETERMINATION THEORY. 2021. https://doi.org/10.36315/2021end117
Demonstrates how playful learning impacts the psychological needs outlined in self-determination theory.
Li S, Liu G, Qiao L, Yu HY, Zhang YY, Pei R, Lin YT, Ma HM, Piao MH. Design Requirements for Gamified Exercise Apps for Adults With Prehypertension Based on the Octalysis Framework and Self-Determination Theory: Qualitative Interview Study.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.2196/86793
Highlights that successful gamified interventions must address deeper psychological needs like autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
Franchini M, Anastasi G, Pieroni S, Denoth F, Ferrante B, Formica A, Molinaro S. Towards a Conceptual Participatory Framework to Promote Health Literacy in Adolescents by Integrating Self-Determination Theory and Game Design.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23030328
Integrates self-determination theory to align game mechanics with user psychological needs.
Zhang X, Wang J, Zhu Y, Ding Z. Gamified human resource management as a driver of employee engagement through intrinsic motivation.. 2025. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1746973
Indicates that gamified practices effectively enhance engagement by fulfilling basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness.
Colton E, McLean C, Anderson A, Hanegraaf L, Verdejo-Garcia A. Gamified Assessment of Cognitive Impulsivity in Eating Disorders and Mental Ill-Health: Mixed Methods Study Incorporating Lived Experience Co-Design and Evaluation.. 2026. https://doi.org/10.2196/79784
Shows user engagement in gamified tasks is driven by opportunities that satisfy core psychological needs.
Pustikayasa IM, Kuswandi D, Farida IA, Setyosari P, Degeng MDK, Praherdhiono H. A Bibliometric Analysis of Gamification and Intrinsic Motivation in Learning Technologies. 2026. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8548127/v1
Confirms that self-determination theory robustly anchors links between gamification, intrinsic motivation, and psychological needs.
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