The Impact of Digital Games on Travel Motivation: A Qualitative Study on Students at Mersin University
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Abstract
This qualitative study examines how digital games shape the travel motivations of young people, focusing on Mersin University students. Data from 30 participants, collected via semi-structured interviews, were analyzed with Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis. Findings show that games have moved beyond leisure to become multidimensional media that spark touristic curiosity. Open-world and story-driven role-playing titles—through visual realism and narrative depth—intensify desires to visit real destinations such as historic cities, exotic geographies, and natural landscapes. Cultural cues, including in-game music, architectural details, folklore, and gastronomic representations, reinforce authentic interest and imagined familiarity. Online gaming communities act as social proof in travel decisions by circulating recommendations, walkthroughs, and experience sharing. The expectation–reality gap between virtual exploration and the actual visit can recalibrate satisfaction, perceived authenticity, and destination image. Overall, results position digital games as next-generation destination marketing tools and a digital extension of creative tourism. The study proposes actionable steps: forge partnerships with developers, design virtual tours and “pre-experience” campaigns, co-create game-inspired itineraries, and incorporate digital media literacy into youth outreach. These strategies can translate game-driven curiosity into responsible, culturally sensitive visitation while expanding destinations’ narrative capital and competitive differentiation. Implications and limits for future research are briefly outlined herein.
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