The aim of the present study is to investigate the effect of indigenous and local games on the generational gap and identity formation among adolescents and youths in Khuzestan province. The present study was conducted using a mixed-methods approach (qualitative and quantitative). In the qualitative phase of the research, to design the questionnaire, 17 interviews were conducted with experts in the relevant field until theoretical saturation was achieved. In the quantitative phase, 310 questionnaires were collected from adolescents and youths aged 15 to 30 in Khuzestan province. SPSS software was used for exploratory factor analysis, and SmartPLS software was used for confirmatory factor analysis.

The results showed that indigenous and local games significantly lead to a reduction in the generational gap and the strengthening of identity. According to the findings, it seems that promoting and reviving indigenous and local games can serve as an effective socio-cultural strategy in reducing the gap between generations and contributing to the formation of a strong identity in young people.