Purpose

The engagement–addiction dilemma has been commonly observed in the information technology (IT) industry. However, this issue has received limited research attention in the information system (IS) discipline. Drawing on the stimulus–organism–response (SOR) framework, this study explores the engagement–addiction dilemma in the use of mobile games and highlights the impacts of game design features, namely, mobile user interface and mobile game affordance.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model was empirically validated using a longitudinal survey data from 410 mobile game users in China.

Findings

The empirical results offer several key findings. First, mobile user interface and mobile game affordance positively affect telepresence and social presence, which lead to meaningful engagement and mobile game addiction. Second, a high-quality of mobile user interface positively moderates the effects of mobile game affordance on telepresence and social presence.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by theorizing and empirically testing the impacts of game design features on the engagement-addiction dilemma.