In this study, we examine digital game preferences by identifying game dynamics, i.e. player–game
interaction modes, of 700 contemporary digital games, and players’ (N=1717) desire to play games
with specific types of dynamics. Based on statistical analysis of the data, 5 game dynamics preference
categories (“assault,” “manage,” “journey,” “care,” and “coordinate”) and 7 player types were revealed.
The results show that identifying player types requires including both preferred and undesired game
dynamics categories in the analysis.The findings unveil digital gaming as a more multifaceted phenomenon
than common stereotypes suggest.The original game preferences model we present in this
study can be conceptualized as a complementary approach for motivations to play and player behavior
studies.