The value in Expectancy-Value Theory refers to the worth that an individual attaches to the outcome of a goal or activity. In Expectancy-Value Theory, values can be broken down into different types, including attainment value (the importance of success in achieving a goal as part of one's identity or personal standards), intrinsic value (the enjoyment or satisfaction derived from performing an activity), utility value (how useful or instrumental the activity is in achieving other goals), and cost (the perceived negative aspects of pursuing the goal, such as effort, time, or emotional pain).There are also more components included in value, such as instrumentality (It measures how useful an activity or goal is in accomplishing one’s broader aims or satisfying personal values) and achievement goals (the specific objectives that an individual sets in pursuit of desired outcomes, which can evolve as personal circumstances and values shift over time). Now that we understand these concepts, we can analyze Rintaro Okabe's motivation.

Rintaro Okabe’s motivation undergoes a huge transformation throughout Steins;Gate, reflecting the shifting value components driving his actions. Initially, his motivation is fueled by curiosity, but over time, the weight of personal relationships and the burden of responsibility become more prominent.

At the beginning of the story, Rintaro Okabe is motivated by an intrinsic value associated with curiosity and exploration. He forms the Future Gadget Laboratory with his friends, primarily driven by a sense of adventure and a desire to explore the unknown possibilities of science. Okabe enjoys scientific discovery and creating gadgets, even when they seem ridiculous or serve no practical purpose. He finds the process fun, and this joy of discovery is a key intrinsic motivator for him, aligning with the concept of intrinsic value. Okabe also has a sense of identity tied to being a "mad scientist," taking on the persona of "Hououin Kyouma." For him, success in his scientific endeavors is a way to express his uniqueness and individuality, aligning with the concept of attainment value. The value driving Okabe's behavior at this point is focused mainly on self-expression and curiosity, and his actions align with achieving this sense of individuality. His experimentation with time travel has a high intrinsic value for him, as it brings him enjoyment and makes him feel accomplished.

As the story continues and the time travel experiments start affecting his friends, especially with Mayuri’s repeated death across different worldlines, Okabe’s values begin to change. His motivation evolves as his priorities shift toward responsibility and protection. Okabe begins to realize that his ability to time travel is not just a scientific achievement-it is instrumental in saving the people he loves. At this point, the importance of using time travel to protect Mayuri becomes paramount. The goal is no longer about personal curiosity; it’s about protecting those who matter most to him. The utility value of the time-leap device becomes the key driver of his actions.

The cost also becomes significant during this phase. Each time he tries and fails to save Mayuri, he suffers emotional and psychological trauma. The cost of pursuing his goal is high, yet he persists because the utility value of saving Mayuri far outweighs the personal pain and exhaustion he endures. In this stage, Okabe’s goal striving becomes single-minded and focused. His motivation has transitioned from curiosity-driven exploration to being almost entirely instrumental: he is willing to endure repeated pain and suffering because the goal of saving Mayuri is of the highest value to him. The perceived utility of his actions has increased dramatically as he realizes the broader impact his experiments can have on the lives of others.

Toward the end of the series, Okabe faces the challenge of saving both Kurisu and Mayuri, placing him in a difficult situation where he must balance competing values. By this point, his motivation is driven by a combination of empathy, love, and attainment value. He refuses to accept a reality where one of them must die, striving instead to create a future where both can live. Okabe's motivation is now tied to his sense of identity as someone who must protect the people he loves. His determination to save both Kurisu and Mayuri reflects his attainment value—the need to achieve a goal that aligns with his personal sense of duty. Saving them both becomes an essential part of his self-worth. Okabe’s empathy toward Kurisu and Mayuri also becomes a driving factor. His relationship with Kurisu deepens, and he falls in love with her, which significantly influences his goal striving. His empathy and love give intrinsic value to his mission. The satisfaction of seeing both Mayuri and Kurisu safe becomes a crucial motivating factor.

Rintaro Okabe’s motivation throughout Steins;Gate aligns with the value component of Expectancy-Value Theory in a way that reflects significant changes in his personal priorities over time. Initially driven by intrinsic value and curiosity, his values shift toward responsibility, empathy, and protection as the stakes grow higher. These changing values-from curiosity to the utility of saving his friends, to the intrinsic value of love-are key factors that determine his motivation and goal striving at each phase of the story. Ultimately, Okabe’s evolving values shape his actions, allowing him to become the hero who sacrifices his comfort and safety to protect those he loves.