The Role of Social Interaction Element on Intention to Play MMORPG in the Future

Abstract

Few studies examine how massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) players react when they are faced with constraints that prevent them from continuing to play the game or to play as much as they desire. This study used the concept of leisure constraint negotiation process and social capital construct to understand how players deal with the above situation by initiating negotiation strategies to mitigate the constraints. Using partial least squares method as the analytical tool, this empirical study showed that the social interaction element of MMORPG plays a major role in influencing the outcomes of the negotiation process. Social capital plays a role in propelling negotiation strategies, and different types of social capitals are needed to trigger different negotiation strategies. This study further demonstrates: which negotiation strategy is triggered depends on which constraints and negotiation strategies matter most to the leisure seekers. There is also a need for congruence between motivation and negotiation strategy.