Investigation of metaverse knowledge level and motivation for playing digital game of sport sciences faculty elite

Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the metaverse knowledge levels of sport sciences faculty students and their motivation to participate in digital games and to examine and interpret the relationship between these two variables. Material and Method: The research employed a quantitative research design with a correlational survey model in accordance with the specified objectives. The population of the study consisted of undergraduate students enrolled in the 2022-2023 academic year in the Faculty of Sports Sciences at İnönü University, and the sample comprised 478 undergraduate students majoring in Coaching Education, Physical Education and Sports Teaching, Sports Management, and Exercise for People with Disabilities in the 2022-2023 academic year at İnönü University Faculty of Sports Sciences. Data were collected using the "Personal Information Form," the "Metaverse Scale," and the "Digital Gaming Motivation Scale" as measurement instruments. The statistical analysis of the research was conducted using independent samples t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: A significant difference was found between the metaverse knowledge levels of the students of the faculty of sport sciences according to age, according to the department of study and according to the grade level. It was determined that there was a significant difference between digital game playing motivation levels according to age, gender and grade level. Conclusion: In the study, a positive, low-level significant relationship was found between the metaverse knowledge level of the students of the faculty of sport sciences and their motivation level to play digital games. Keywords: Digital game, E-sport, Metaverse, Motivation