A self-determination theory-based laboratory experiment on social aspects of playing multiplayer first-person shooter games

•Social facets of first-person shooters are investigated in a laboratory experiment.•The presence of human co-players positively shapes the gaming experience.•An additional structural model based on self-determination theory was estimated.•Communication and team play help to satisfy competence and relatedness needs.•Game-based need satisfaction is positively connected to well-being and enjoyment.