Abstract

This study aimed to examine the mechanisms underlying digital game usage behavior by applying the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Balance Theory. It investigated the influences of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control on the intention to use digital games, as well as the differences in the application of the Theory of Planned Behavior model based on the balance state among individuals, significant others, and digital games. A total of 315 responses from adult PC game users were collected through an online survey conducted from October 21 to 25, 2021, and were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. The results revealed that attitude and perceived behavioral control had a significant positive impact on the intention to continue using digital games, while subjective norms did not exert a significant influence. By categorizing groups into balanced, unbalanced, and imbalance states based on the balance relationship, the application of the Theory of Planned Behavior model showed that in the unbalanced and imbalance groups, both perceived behavioral control and attitude had a positive impact on the intention to continue using digital games. However, in the balanced group, attitude only had a positive impact on the intention to continue game usage. This study contributes to understanding digital game users by examining both individual psychological factors and the influence of others on digital game usage behavior.