How gamified design influences sustained engagement through psychological pathways in carbon generalized system of preferences: evidence from PLS-SEM and fsQCA

Background Digital gamification has become an important instrument for mobilizing public pro-environmental behavior, yet many policy-driven sustainability platforms still face a retention problem: initial curiosity often fails to develop into sustained commitment. Objective This study integrates Self-Determination Theory and Flow Theory to explain how gamified contest design sustains engagement in China’s Carbon Generalized System of Preferences. Methods Drawing on survey data from CGSP participants, we combine partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA). Results The PLS-SEM results show that task challenges enhance autonomy and competence satisfaction in the voluntary CGSP context, while socially embedded feedback strengthens relatedness satisfaction. These need states foster flow experience, an important proximal predictor of sustained engagement. The fsQCA results identify three equifinal configurations for high engagement, indicating that sustained participation can arise through different combinations of design features and psychological states. Conclusion These findings offer practical guidance for designing low-carbon platforms that move beyond short-term incentives and support durable public participation through psychological pathways.