Intergroup contact, contact heterogeneity, and cross-group friendship: evidence from a global prosocial mobile game

Abstract Video games serve as virtual spaces where members from different social groups encounter each other and interact. This study (N = 3,612) tests intergroup contact theory in the context of a global prosocial mobile game, leveraging unobtrusive in-game behavioral data alongside survey measures. Findings indicate that a higher proportion of interaction with foreign players is related to lower levels of future contact intentions. However, interacting with a diverse pool of foreign players significantly predicts an increased willingness for future contact with foreigners. Additionally, cross-group friendship is linked to lower levels of xenophobia. A three-way interaction shows that when high-contact heterogeneity is combined with fewer cross-group friends, intergroup contact can significantly mitigate xenophobia. Extending contact theory to the mobile gaming context, this study provides evidence from a global player base, highlighting the potential of video games, when designed to foster prosocial interactions, to promote positive intergroup relationships at both international and intercultural levels for billions of players engaging in the virtual world.