An Exploratory Study on Gameplay Contexts and Player Needs of Indie Game Players in China and Their Commercial Applications

Revised version in Jan. 2026

Abstract

This study aims to clarify the gameplay contexts and psychological needs of indie game players in China. Using semi-structured interviews, the research investigates "when, where, and for what motivations" Chinese players purchase and play indie games.Based on the survey findings, a framework of "Context/Motivation → Appropriate Game Elements → Specific Games Featuring Said Elements" will be constructed. Furthermore, the study explores the industrial practicality of this framework, particularly its potential application in optimizing recommendation mechanisms. Specifically, it examines methods for adapting "context-based content recommendation logic"—already established in the fields of video and music streaming—to the gaming industry.