Validation of the 12-item Gamification User Types Hexad Scale in 1,610 Hong Kong Young Gamers

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Gamification User Types Hexad Scale (Hexad) and validate the 12-item short version (Hexad-12) in the Chinese context. An online survey recruited 1,610 young gamers aged between 11 and 29 (mean age = 23.1, SD = 4.18) in Hong Kong between May and June 2023, who completed the Hexad-24 and other validated measures. Factorial validity and measurement invariance of Hexad were evaluated by confirmatory factor analysis. Convergent validity of Hexad factors was examined with demographic and gaming characteristics, social support, internet gaming disorder (IGD) symptoms, depressive symptoms, and hikikomori. The 6-factor model provided mediocre fits (comparative fit index < 0.90 and standardized root mean square residuals > 0.07) to the original 24-item Hexad but adequate fits (comparative fit index = 0.97 and standardized root mean square residuals < 0.04) to Hexad-12 in split samples with substantial factor loadings and acceptable reliability. The Hexad-12 factors showed scalar measurement invariance across gender, age groups, and game genre. Disruptor was positively and moderately to strongly correlated with IGD and depressive symptoms, hikikomori, and suicidal ideation. Philanthropist and socializer were positively and moderately correlated with social support and meaning in life; free-spirits and achievers were negatively and weakly correlated with IGD and depressive symptoms, hikikomori, and suicidal ideation. The present findings demonstrated adequate psychometric properties for the Hexad-12, supporting its use for brief assessment of Chinese gamers' user types.