Video games have exponentially increased in popularity in recent years and are becoming ingrained in our culture. Video games have evolved from simple, single player games to much more complex, multi-player games. Despite the rise in female players, the gaming world is still male dominated. This study examines the role of gender, motivation and effects in video game play experienced by tertiary students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. A quantitative research approach was adopted to conduct the study, and a questionnaire was administered to fulfil the objectives of the study. The study was located at the Westville Campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in South Africa. The findings revealed that arousal, entertainment, diversion, competition, challenge, identity and fantasy were among the motivating factors for playing video games. Social, emotional, cognitive, and motivational benefits were among the positive effect findings of playing video games, while family tension and addiction were among the major negative effects experienced. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the means for motivation between males and females playing video games. The study also revealed a correlation between the motivation for playing video games and the time spent playing video games.

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