Exploring soccer video games as a channel to promote well-being and soccer appreciation among North American adults

Based on online surveys and MANCOVA, this study explores soccer video games as a potential channel for promoting well-being and soccer appreciation by testing how playing soccer (1) via video games, (2) physically, (3) in both forms, or (4) in none of the forms are associated with soccer appreciation (enjoyment/involvement), physical health (moderate-/vigorous-intensity activity, sedentary behaviour), and mental health (happiness, life satisfaction, self-esteem). The findings indicated that soccer video games (1) are positively associated with mental health, particularly in the hedonic aspect; (2) are insignificantly linked to physical health; and (3) may be effective for increasing enjoyment (at a level similar to physical play) and involvement of the sport. Also, (4) the synergistic effect of blending the virtual and physical forms of play were supported for soccer enjoyment/involvement.