The purpose of this study was to examine student athletes' perceptions of digital games and their experiences in the virtual world. The study used a basic qualitative research design to investigate in depth what types of digital games the participants play, how they feel while playing, and their families' perspectives on digital games, how digital games affect their education and sports lives, and what benefits there are to playing digital games. The research data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 14 sportsmen students chosen using the criteria sample approach. The collected data were coded, categorized, and analyzed using content analysis. According to the participants' perspectives, digital games have a detrimental impact on family communication, have poor physical and psychological repercussions, and contribute to cognitive growth. It can be said that by directing and encouraging students to participate in social activities, supporting sports activities, and strengthening the parent-child relationship through family activities, their ties to digital games will weaken, while children who cannot receive support in the family, are not interested in them, and whose participation in social activities is limited, will strengthen their digital play bond even more.

Digital game, athlete student, qualitative research pattern.