Bureaucrats are Philanthropists: A Survey on Player Types in Germany's Public Administration
Allgemeines
Art der Publikation: Conference Paper
Veröffentlicht auf / in: 2026 Twelfth International Conference on eDemocracy & eGovernment (ICEDEG)
Jahr: In Press
Verlag (Publisher): IEEE
Autoren
Leonhard Ejdimiller
Daniel Ernst
Levin Thimm
Sophie Schulte ter Hardt
Zusammenfassung
Despite the potential of game-based learning, empirical evidence regarding the gaming preferences, behaviors, and player types of public administration employees is lacking. Addressing the need to tailor the design of serious games to this target audience, this study investigates the prevalence of player types to inform the development of engaging serious games. We conducted an online survey of 231 employees across Germany's public administration, and assessed their player type using the HEXAD scale. Contrary to anecdotal evidence suggesting a reluctance toward gaming, the results reveal a workforce that is highly interested in games. The findings indicate a distinct motivational profile dominated by 19.3% Philanthropists and 18.9% Achievers, while the `Player' (15%) and Disruptor (11.7%) types were the least prevalent. These results challenge the reliance on standard gamification mechanics, such as points, badges, and leaderboards, which appeal to extrinsic motivations that are not prioritized by this audience. Instead, we recommend that serious games for public administration prioritize elements such as purpose, contribution to society, and mastery to align with the player motivations of public administration employees.