DIGITAL EXPERIENCE AND TRUST: ITS INFLUENCE ON GENERATION Z PLAYERS' LOYALTY IN MOBILE LEGENDS MEDIATED BY PLAYER SATISFACTION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36085/jam-ekis.v9i1.9744Abstract
This study investigates the impact of Digital Experience and Trust on the loyalty of Generation Z players in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, with Player Satisfaction as a mediator. Using a quantitative approach and PLS-SEM analysis of 100 active Gen Z players in Indonesia, the results show that while Digital Experience and Trust significantly enhance satisfaction and loyalty, Player Satisfaction surprisingly exerts a significant negative effect on loyalty. This indicates a satisfaction paradox where satisfaction acts as a competitive mediator; rising expectations among digital natives reduce satisfaction's effectiveness in driving long-term commitment. Theoretically, this highlights a shift in the role of satisfaction in high-tech markets. Practically, developers should prioritize building trust and continuous digital innovation over merely increasing satisfaction to retain Gen Z players
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