Massively Multiplayer Online Role-playing Games Players Research Articles

Sociotropy and video game playing: Massively multiplayer online role-playing games versus other games

IntroductionInternet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is associated with several psychiatric disorders. Previous research on IGD has predominantly focused on Massively Multiplayer Online Role-playing Games (MMORPGs), considered to be pro-social games as they foster interpersonal relationships necessary for in-game progress. Sociotropy is a personality trait characterized by a cognitive approach to dealing with interpersonal relationships. Individuals with high sociotropy have a strong desire for approval from others. Beck's cognitive theory of depression posits that high sociotropy can lead to depressive symptoms when faced with interpersonal stress. We used the I-PACE model to account for the consequences of distal factors such as sociotropy on the development and maintenance of IGD. The aim of this study was therefore to compare MMORPG players with players of other game genres in terms of sociotropy, social anxiety and depression. We hypothesized that sociotropy could serve as a predictor of IGD, particularly among MMORPG players. MethodsA total of 233 French videogame players recruited from specialized internet gaming forums participated in the study via questionnaires. Different scales were used to assess depression and social anxiety symptoms, IGD intensity, and sociotropy and autonomy. Results & discussionMMORPG players reported higher psychological distress than players of other game genres. For all players, sociotropy, rather than autonomy, was found to be a predictor of social anxiety symptoms and IGD intensity. Sociotropy and depression explained IGD intensity only for MMORPG players and not for players of other game genres. The social dimension appears to be more prominent among MMORPG players and could be one of the main personality traits predicting this specific internet gaming disorder. The treatment implications for internet gaming disorder are discussed.

Social influence processes within MMORPG guilds: a mixed-methods approach of nomological network analysis

PurposeFocusing on the social influence processes in the context of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), this study aims to investigate the nomological network of social influence factors, a topic seldom explicitly articulated in the literature in this unique context.Design/methodology/approachThis study adopts a mixed-methods approach to develop and test a context-specific model of social influence processes in MMORPGs. First, the authors conducted qualitative interviews with MMORPG players to identify the drivers shaping players' perceptions of social influences. Second, the authors formulated and tested a research model with quantitative data collected from 450 respondents of an online survey.FindingsThrough the qualitative study, the authors identify leader enthusiasm, social support and social presence as the critical drivers of social influence factors. The result of the quantitative study validates the influences of the critical drivers and demonstrates the impact of social influences on MMORPG players' we-intention to continue playing games.Originality/valueThis research extends the social influence theory by identifying contextualized drivers that shape MMORPG players' perception of social influences determining their we-intention to continue playing games. MMORPG service providers can draw on these drivers to leverage social influences to increase players' we-intention of continuance.

Beyond Avatar Coolness: Exploring the Effects of Avatar Attributes on Continuance Intention to Play Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games

This research investigates players’ continuance intentions to play massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) by constructing a model based on the concepts of avatar coolness (i.e., avatar attractiveness, avatar originality, and avatar subculture appeal), social identity theory, and flow theory. Analyzing survey-based data from 375 Korean MMORPG players, we found that avatar attractiveness, avatar originality, and avatar subculture appeal were positively related to avatar coolness. In addition, avatar originality positively affects avatar subculture appeal. Moreover, avatar coolness positively affects the continuance intention to play MMORPGs via avatar identification and flow state. This study is the first to develop avatar coolness and explore its role in affecting the intention to play MMORPGs. To offer “cool” avatars, the implications are those game designers should continually update avatars for freshness based on current trends, provide a variety of skins for personalization for user preferences, and offer avatars that are visually appealing to the gaming population. These require continual assessments of the MMORPG player population.

Exploring the meaningful qualities of transactions in virtual environments for massively multiplayer online role-playing gamers

ABSTRACT To date, most research on massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) has focused on the effects playing MMORPGs have on players’ health and wellness. The virtual environment of MMORPGs has yet to be explored as a space where meaningful occupations occur. This qualitative descriptive study examined the virtual environment using a transactional perspective to describe the qualities of gaming to which MMORPG players ascribe meaning. Participants included six MMORPG players with experience playing World of Warcraft, Runescape, or Guild Wars 2. Data were gathered using interviews, participant observation, and a focus group, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Three themes were generated: Creating collective occupational experiences, Facilitating personally transformative occupational experiences, and Unlocking immersive virtual environments. Participants described collective occupational experiences of gaming as creating a sense of community and belonging. Transactions in the virtual environment facilitated a transformative occupational experience to foster identity development and personal growth. The virtual environment was described as meaningful by unlocking an immersive experience through the aesthetics of the environment and engagement with in-game occupations. These findings provide occupational scientists with an increased understanding of the qualities of transactions within games that are meaningful for MMORPG players.

An exploration of MMORPG in-game virtual-item contribution to game enjoyment from the perspectives of purchase behavior and psychological ownership

In-game virtual items, which are an integral element of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), are obtained by their players using real money, and they can be characters, gestures or “emotes” for a character, weapons, or costumes. MMORPG players can purchase such virtual items through the surprise-free direct purchase method, wherein the players would specify and know the virtual items they are buying. Alternatively, the players can make purchases through the surprise-packed loot box method, whereby they only find out the virtual items they have received after the purchase. This study examines the extent whereto players’ evaluation of in-game virtual-item purchase methods (loot box vis-à-vis direct purchase) and psychological ownership of their virtual-item collection contribute to perceived game enjoyment. A partial least squares analysis of 362 survey returns (comprising 204 samples of the loot box method and 158 samples of the direct purchase method) revealed similarities between both methods. The study found that players had similar perceptions of purchase method evaluation and psychological ownership. Furthermore, it established that purchase method evaluation and psychological ownership positively contributed to perceived enjoyment. However, there is also difference: intimate knowledge of the collection gathered via the direct purchase method is more influential on psychological ownership than that obtained through the loot box method. This study adds to the literature on psychological ownership, compares a relatively new loot box method with the direct purchase method, shows the importance of psychological ownership in game enjoyment, and confirms that the antecedent of psychological ownership is context-sensitive.

Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) Player Profiles: Exploring Player’s Motives Predicting Internet Addiction Disorder

Background: Due to the increasing spread of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) and their addictive potential, scholars assert that understanding the factors underpinning Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is crucial, considering the psychopathological classification. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the motives predicting IGD in MMORPG players with different personality risk profiles. Materials and Methods: An online survey was conducted among 202 MMORPG players (mean age = 27.85 years, SD = 6.49). A cluster analysis was performed to classify the samples, according to the substance use risk profile scale (SURPS), distinguishing a sensation seeking (SS) group from a group prone to negative emotions (PNE), including anxiety, hopelessness, and impulsivity. Also, the gaming motives, which were determined using the Motives for Online Gaming Questionnaire (MOGQ), were considered as independent variables in analyses. The regression analyses indicated different combinations of gaming motives, predisposing the two groups to IGD. Results: The escapism motive and male gender were the main risk factors for SS players, whereas the sociability motive predicted addiction tendencies in the PNE group. Also, the competition motive was a strong predictor of IGD in both groups; this motive was found to be associated with the male gender and the specific game genre. Moreover, the PNE players were significantly more addicted to MMORPGs and were less satisfied with their life, compared to the SS group. Conclusions: Based on the present results, clustering gamers in terms of personality traits allowed us to understand the mechanisms underlying IGD for overcoming a reductive approach, which considers MMORPG players as a uniform group.

Does avatar's character and emotional bond expose to gaming addiction? Two studies on virtual self-discrepancy, avatar identification and gaming addiction in massively multiplayer online role-playing game players

This study aims to analyze virtual self-discrepancy (VSD), avatar identification, and gaming addiction in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs). Two studies were conducted to test the relations between VSDs (i.e., idealized vs utopian avatar), avatar identification, and gaming addiction. In the cross-sectional survey (Study 1; 770 MMORPGs players) we assumed that higher MMORPG addiction was directly predicted by the construction of an idealized avatar (vs. utopian avatar) and by the avatar identification, which also mediated the relationship between the VSDs and gaming addiction. In the 2 × 2 experimental study (Study 2; 100 participants), manipulating VSD and avatar identification, we assumed that MMORPG addiction risk was higher in the idealized avatar-high identification condition than in the utopian avatar-low identification condition. Results confirmed that the more idealized the avatar was, the more the users increased their avatar identification (Study 1), that in turn was associated with gaming addiction (Study 1 and Study 2), and that only an idealized avatar (vs. utopian avatar) directly affected gaming addiction (Study 1). Furthermore, results showed that MMORPG addiction risk was higher in participants who customized an idealized avatar and identified with it (vs. utopian avatar-low identification) (Study 2).

Role of authenticity in massively multiplayer online role playing games (MMORPGs): Determinants of virtual item purchase intention

This study presents a conceptual model of how aesthetic design, avatar identification, and player co-creation behavior enhance the players' perceived authenticity of massively multiplayer online role playing games (MMORPGs), thereby increasing both the players' willingness to play and their virtual item purchase intention. In our model, authenticity is defined as the perception of genuineness that causes players to perceive people, and objects as real, and is considered a driving force of pleasurable game experience. Structural equation modeling was used to estimate the model based on survey data from 393 MMORPG players. The findings show that aesthetic design, players' avatar identification, and player co-creation behavior all influence play intention and virtual item purchase intention. The empirical results indicate that players' perceived authenticity increases players' intentions to play and purchase virtual items. This study contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of how perceived authenticity affects players' participation and purchase intention in MMORPGs.

Do people play MMORPGs for extrinsic or intrinsic rewards?

Several frameworks have been proposed to explain the motivations for playing Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPG). However, no unified view as to whether people play MMORPGs for extrinsic or intrinsic rewards has been proposed in the existing literature. Thus, this study drew upon flow theory, Veblen’s Leisure Class theory, and Yee’s online gaming motivations framework to investigate the effects of extrinsic and intrinsic motivations on the gamer loyalty and gaming behaviors of Turkish MMORPG players. A path model was proposed to articulate the aforementioned relationships. The model showed that gamer loyalty could be predicted by status seeking (extrinsic motivation) and two facets of flow (merging of actions and awareness, and autotelic experience; intrinsic motivation). Furthermore, the game levels reached while playing MMORPGs were affected both by status seeking (extrinsic motivation) and high control of the game (intrinsic motivation). The results also demonstrated that participants with higher social motivation spent more of their daily time on MMORPGs, and players who reported higher levels of autotelic experience spent more money on MMORPGs.

Predict excessive use of Massively Multi-Player Online Role-Playing Games: The role of social anxiety and identification with the character

As the popularity of computer games has grown, questions are being raised about their excessive use and factors related to addictive behaviours. This study investigates whether social anxiety and connection with the character affect frequency of play and game dependency in Massively Multi-Player Online Role-Playing Games (MMPORGs). Furthermore, the mediating effect of identification with the character is assumed in the relationships between social anxiety and (a) frequency of play and (b) game dependency. A survey with 264 Italians who engaged in MMPORGs was conducted. Structural equation modelling was used to estimate the hypothesized relationships. The analysis confirmed that social anxiety and identification with the character play a crucial role in the development of problematic behaviours. Identification with the character also acts as a mediator in the social anxiety - game addiction relationship. The findings may improve the understanding of MMPORGs players’ behaviour and provide implications for policy makers, health professionals and marketers to encourage and promote responsible online gaming.

Offline personality and avatar customisation. Discrepancy profiles and avatar identification in a sample of MMORPG players

This study examined the relationship between offline personality and avatar customisation in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) players, and questioned whether the offline personality is always the starting point for the customisation of an avatar. The aims were: to analyse the discrepancy profiles which emerge when players are asked to rate their primary avatar, actual self and ideal self with respect to certain personality factors; to explore whether these profiles varied across personality factors and within players; and to analyse the relation between discrepancy profiles and the extent to which players identified with their avatars.A sample of 845 MMORPG players completed an online questionnaire consisting of a short version of the Big Five Personality Inventory and an avatar identification scale.Four discrepancy profiles (idealised, actualised, alter ego, negative hero) common to the personality factors extroversion, consciousness, agreeableness and emotional stability and stable within players emerged. They converged into four kind of offline personality-avatar relationship differently related with avatar identification that was higher when avatar was similar to self or an extension of self, and lower when avatar was other than self, or antithesis of self. The practical implication of these finding are discussed.

Newcomer integration in knowledge communities: development of the strat-I-Com questionnaire for MMORPG-based communities

Players of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG) build online knowledge communities that can serve as learning environments for informal adult learning. Hence, newcomer integration in MMORPG player communities can be regarded as a first step in an informal learning process. Newcomer integration strategies have been identified in face-to-face communities, but not yet in MMORPG-based communities. Extending the previous findings and providing quantitative models of specific processes may enhance the development of smart technologies. With this aim, the present research proposes and validates questionnaire survey scales that quantitatively explore the process of newcomer integration in German MMORPG player communities. Two correlational studies within samples with a total of N = 276 participants were conducted, allowing the identification of five reliable scales (recruitment, knowledge assessment, negative welcome, modeling and consistent training strategies) in the first study and four reliable scales (centrality, recruitment evaluation, monitoring and evaluation of newcomer integration) in the second. The perceptions of newcomer integration strategies were correlated with participants’ gender, age and community exposure time. These perceptions were further correlated with participants’ centrality and sense of community. The findings add to knowledge communities research and make headway in smart community technology development by suggesting quantitative models for social processes in MMORPG communities. Follow-up research will further explore newcomer integration employing automated analysis procedures with cross-sectional as well as longitudinal research designs.

Gaming-contingent self-worth, gaming motivation, and Internet Gaming Disorder

The relationship between problematic gaming behavior and self-esteem is well-documented (King & Delfabbro, 2014). Moreover, the basic needs component of Self-Determination Theory has also been proposed as an organizing framework to understand gaming motivation (Lafrenière, Verner-Filion, & Vallerand, 2012; Ryan, Rigby, & Przybylski, 2006). Building on these ideas, the current study describes the development of a measure of contingent self-worth (Crocker, Luhtanen, Cooper, & Bouvrette, 2003; Crocker & Wolfe, 2001) specific to gaming experiences within Massively-Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs), and explores the association between Gaming-Contingent Self-Worth (GCSW) and symptoms of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). A sample of MMORPG players was recruited through Amazon's Mechanical Turk (n = 600) to evaluate the reliability and validity of a GCSW scale. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was used to identify a 29-item measure comprised of four components, including validation seeking, reward orientation, competition focus, and detachment. Additional analyses supported the hypothesis that GCSW is a strong predictor of IGD symptoms, beyond the contribution of motivation based on behavioral activities within the game.

The effects of narcissism and self-esteem on immersion in social network games and massively multiplayer online role-playing games

Recent research has shown growing interest in the process by which narcissism triggers immersion in social network games (SNG). Highly narcissistic individuals are motivated not only by the achievement of goals and monopoly of materials (i:e., self-enhancement), but also by comparison and competition with others (i.e., social comparison) We predicted that the common rules and environments of SNG and massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG), such as systems of exchanging items and ranking players, facilitate immersion of highly narcissistic individuals during the game. Structural equation modeling of data from 378 SNG players and 150 MMORPG players recruited online showed that self-esteem inhibited game immersion, whereas narcissism increased game immersion via motivation for goal attainment. SNG players were more likely to be immersed in the game via motivation for goal attainment than MMORPG players. These findings suggest that, compared with MMORPG, the environments of SNG provide strong incentives not for those high in self-esteem who seek acceptance of others, but for those high in narcissism who are motivated by self-enhancement via competition with others.

Explaining behavior in brand communities: A sequential model of attachment, tribalism, and self-esteem

Given their societal presence, brand communities and tribes must, in some capacity, influence marketing strategy. With a player base exceeding 50 million and annual sales surpassing $12 billion, the massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG) community is considered a burgeoning cultural and economic consumer segment. Yet, quantitative examination of MMORPG community members' consumptive processes is sparse. To help fill this research lacuna, the current study tests a sequential choice model of attachment, tribalism, and self-esteem on MMORPG-related behavioral outcomes. Using a sample 970 MMORPG players, support is offered for the posited model, indicating among others, that brand attachment antecedes MMORPG brand tribalism, which in turn, augments player self-esteem. Implications and future research directions are offered.

Understanding players’ achievement values from MMORPGs: an exploratory study

Purpose – Achievement is considered to be an important value for students. The purpose of this paper is to explore what achievement values were derived from playing massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs), especially for high-engaged MMORPGs players. Design/methodology/approach – The research employed two approaches to collect data: focus group and a web survey of online game players were conducted. Moreover, an addiction-engagement scale was used to ensure all participants were genuinely highly engaged MMORPGs players in data collection process. There are 12 highly engaged players were recruited as focus group members in Phase 1. The online survey yielded 315 responses, of which 267 were considered valid, and 177 of those were considered to be genuine highly engaged players in Phase 2. In the study, exploratory factor analysis was performed to reveal underlying structure of achievement values. Findings – The result focussing on popular MMORPGs reveal that highly engaged players derived six achievement values from playing MMORPGs, including fantasy satisfaction, adventure, victory, socialization ability, self-actualization, and advancement of wealth and status. Originality/value – In view of the prevalence of MMORPGs, it is imperative to draw attention to understand students’ achievement values derived from playing MMORPGs. By doing that, educators know how to bridge students’ achievement values to their academic performance.

Interdependent Self-Construal, Self-Efficacy, and Community Involvement as Predictors of Perceived Knowledge Gain Among MMORPG Players.

This study explored the relationship between interdependent self-construal, video game self-efficacy, massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) community involvement, and self-reported learning outcomes. The results suggested that self-efficacy and interdependent self-construal were positive and significant predictors of MMORPG community involvement. For its part, MMORPG community involvement was a positive predictor of self-reported learning in both focused and incidental forms. Supplementary analyses suggested that self-efficacy was a comparatively more robust predictor of MMORPG community involvement when compared to self-construal. Moreover, the present data suggest that community involvement significantly facilitated indirect relationships between self-construal, game-relevant self-efficacy, and both focused and incidental learning.

Are some video games associated with more life interference and psychopathology than others? Comparing massively multiplayer online role‐playing games with other forms of video game

Massively multiplayer online role‐playing games (MMORPGs) are a type of video game that is considered to have particular potential to be associated with life interference and psychopathology when played frequently and intensively. This study sought to compare players of MMORPGs with players of other types of video game in terms of problematic use, life interference, and levels of psychopathology. An international sample of 1,945 video game players completed a series of questionnaires online. While MMORPG players reported increased rates of problematic use and life interference compared with non‐MMORPG players, there were no differences in levels of psychopathology. Differences between MMORPG players and non‐MMORPG players appeared to be associated with the increased amounts of time that MMORPG players played for: The amount of time spent playing appeared to mediate the relationships between type of game played and each of the problematic use and life interference variables. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Why are online games so self‐involving: A social identity analysis of massively multiplayer online role‐playing games

AbstractThis article investigates the ways in which players of massively multiplayer online role‐playing games (MMORPGs) internalize being a player into their self‐concept. In accordance with the social identity framework, we assume that being a player and being a member of a guild within the game can both shape the social identity of members. In two studies, we survey players inside or outside the MMORPG. Players are interviewed either at an interguild comparison level or at the more inclusive level of MMORPG players. Study 1 (n = 84) reveals favoritism for the in‐group guild in a within‐game context, and Study 2 (n = 200) shows that valuation of and identification with the in‐group are moderated by the interview context and the level of category inclusion: Inside the game, the guild is more valued and identification is emphasized. In contrast, valuation of and identification with MMORPG players is not influenced by the interview context. Together, by examining both valuation and identification processes, this research reveals that playing online games may be self‐involving because being a player, but also being a member of a guild, directly contribute to the social identity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Playing With Our Selves

As more of our lives are spent online, often in environments in which we interact with others through virtual characters (“avatars”), there remains a gulf between how player practices are documented and theorized, and the complex gendered identity work players actually carry out. This paper draws on a mixed-methods study of Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs), with a sample of 359 players and 659 avatars that compares male and female players with regards to two practices: selecting opposite-sexed avatars and customizing avatar appearance. Unlike other studies of MMORPG players that focus on players' customization and use of one particular avatar, this analysis is driven by a consideration of players' multiple avatars. In so doing, we demonstrate how MMORPG play is characterized by gendered practices far more nuanced than can be revealed through a “one-to-one” understanding of the identificatory practices of players and their avatars.