Validation of the Hexad-12 gamification user types scale for German-speaking adults and adolescents

Gamification has gained considerable momentum in the design of interactive digital systems as well as interest in human-computer interaction research, due to its potential to enhance user motivation and engagement. Evidence that the effects of game elements on users vary depending on individual characteristics, has shifted the focus towards designs tailoring to the needs of each user— known as adaptive gamification. The Hexad model has emerged as a prominent framework for describing gamification user types and guiding adaptive design. However, its broader application faces two challenges. First, valid and concise instruments are needed to assess users’ player types in their native languages. Second, there are concerns about the scale’s validity across age groups, particularly regarding adolescents.

This work addresses these desiderata by presenting two studies investigating the validity and psychometric properties of a German Hexad-12 short scale—one conducted with an adult sample (N = 344) and the other with an all-adolescent sample (ages 14–19, N = 310). We applied confirmatory factor analyses along with a hierarchical model comparison as well as reliability, validity and correlation analysis. Our results show overall improved factorial validity compared against the original version and support the assumption of tau-equivalence of the model. Five of the six subscales met psychometric standards. The Disruptor failed established thresholds, however, given the scarcity of corresponding game elements, this limitation is practically constrained. Our findings support the use of the five-factor version of the German Hexad-12 in future research and practical applications of adaptive gamification.