Flow experience of Chinese players in computer games and its relation to the characteristics of Chinese culture

Abstract

In a short time computer (especially online) games have gained great popularity. A number of studies show that online game activity is tightly related to the flow experience which according to M.Csikszentmihalyi is essential for individuality and life happiness development. However the present study reveals that flow experience of Chinese players is low; male players demonstrate a significantly higher level of flow experience than female players; during game sessions adolescents demonstrate a significantly higher flow experience adults; during game sessions Chinese players exhibit low preoccupation with the game. As a result Chinese players rarely consider playing video/computer/online games as an active way of their intrinsic goals achievement. It is substantiated that this finding is related to popular in Chinese culture ideas of collectivism, according to which individuality is under respected.