Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is a theory that outlines the basic human needs that must be met for individuals to achieve their full potential. The hierarchy is typically represented as a pyramid, with the most basic needs at the bottom and the most complex needs at the top. The five levels of the hierarchy are physiological needs, safety needs, belongingness and love needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization needs. This theory has been widely applied to various fields, including psychology, education, and business management. This article will explore how Maslow’s hierarchy of needs applies to video games.
Physiological needs
The first level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is physiological needs. These are the most basic human needs, such as food, water, shelter, and warmth. In video games, this need is often met through the gameplay mechanics that provide the player with resources to survive. For example, in survival games like “Minecraft” or “Don’t Starve,” the player must collect resources such as wood, stone, and food to build shelter, create tools, and avoid starvation. In “The Sims” series, the player must fulfill their sim’s basic needs, such as hunger, thirst, and sleep, to keep them alive and healthy.
Safety needs
The second level of Maslow’s hierarchy is safety needs. These needs refer to the desire for safety, stability, and security. In video games, safety needs can be met by providing the player with a sense of control and predictability. For example, in strategy games like “Civilization” or “Starcraft,” the player must develop a secure base and build an army to defend it against enemy attacks. In role-playing games (RPGs) like “World of Warcraft,” the player must progress through a series of challenges to become stronger and gain access to better equipment and abilities.
Belongingness and love needs
The third level of Maslow’s hierarchy is belongingness and love needs. These needs refer to the desire for social interaction and connection with others. This need can be met in video games through multiplayer gameplay and social features. For example, in massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) like “World of Warcraft” or “Final Fantasy XIV,” players can form guilds or join parties to play together and tackle challenging group content. In social simulation games like “Animal Crossing” or “The Sims,” players can create and customize their own avatars, build relationships with non-playable characters (NPCs), and even visit the towns of other players.
Esteem needs
The fourth level of Maslow’s hierarchy is esteem needs. These needs refer to the desire for recognition, respect, and achievement. In video games, this need can be met through various forms of feedback and reward systems. For example, in first-person shooter games like “Call of Duty” or “Battlefield,” players can earn experience points and unlock new weapons, perks, and cosmetic items by completing challenges and winning matches. In sports games like “FIFA” or “NBA 2K,” players can build their own custom teams, earn virtual currency, and progress through various leagues and tournaments.
Self-actualization needs
The fifth and final level of Maslow’s hierarchy is self-actualization needs. These needs refer to the desire for personal growth, creativity, and fulfillment. In video games, this need can be met through open-ended gameplay and creative tools. For example, in sandbox games like “Minecraft” or “Terraria,” players can explore vast worlds, build their own structures, and experiment with different materials and designs. In game creation tools like “LittleBigPlanet” or “Dreams,” players can create their own games and share them with the community.
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs can be applied to video games in various ways. Physiological needs can be met through resource gathering and survival mechanics, while safety needs can be met by providing a sense of control and predictability. Belongingness and love needs can be met through multiplayer gameplay and social features, and esteem needs can be met through various feedback and reward systems. Finally, self-actualization needs can be met through open-ended gameplay and creative tools.
It is worth noting that not all video games need to meet all levels of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs to be successful. However, game designers who understand these needs and incorporate them into their designs can create more engaging and fulfilling gameplay experiences for players.
Moreover, understanding Maslow’s hierarchy of needs can help game developers design games targeting specific audiences. For example, suppose a game is intended for younger audiences. In that case, it may focus on meeting physiological and safety needs. In comparison, games targeted at older audiences may focus on meeting higher-level needs such as belongingness and love, esteem, and self-actualization.
