Massively Multiplayer Online Role-playing Games Research Articles

A systematic review of problematic gaming: Escapist strategy to cope with difficult life situations

ABSTRACT Gaming as an increasingly common phenomenon and is frequently used as a coping mechanism during difficult life situations, such as grief and bereavement. This coping usually takes place as an avoidant, escapist strategy, which can lead to problematic or excessive gaming, with harmful outcomes. The aim of this study was to review and collate findings from literature on gaming use as an escapist coping strategy during difficult life situations. A systematic review was carried out with the use of the databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Research Gate, and APA PsycNet, where English language studies published in peer-reviewed journals were perused. The full text of the studies selected were then reviewed and suitability for the present study was checked with the eligibility criteria. Out of the 35 texts fully reviewed, 18 studies were finalised that fit the eligibility criteria, and out of these, three themes were derived – “Problematic online gaming and difficult life situations”, “Problematic online gaming, coping and escapism “, and “Types of gaming”, which demonstrated the psychosocial perspective on gaming used as a coping mechanism for difficult situations. This association is further affected by the type of gaming, whether Massive Multi-player Online Role Playing Games (MMORPG) or otherwise. The aetiology (life situations as a causative factor) and manifestation (gaming used for coping), along with the type of gaming were significantly affected by personal and social factors. The study showed findings that support the view of gaming as an escapist coping strategy in difficult life situations. It is therefore important to look into provisions for better social support and individuals’ psychosocial environment while evolving interventions that enhance coping among gamers.

Gender swapping in massively multiplayer online role-playing games in China: Relationship to gender nonconformity and gender dysphoria

Video games are identified as rich environments for the extension and development of the self. Gender swapping is common in massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs). Drawing on self-discrepancy theory, this study aims to examine whether variables reflecting actual-ideal self-discrepancy in gender-atypical behaviors and gender identity contribute to gender swapping. Specifically, we examine associations between childhood gender nonconformity (CGN), adulthood gender nonconformity (AGN), gender dysphoria, and gender-swapping. An online survey was conducted with 586 players of MMORPGs in China. CGN, AGN, and gender dysphoria were positively associated with gender-swapping. Gender dysphoria fully mediated the associations between CGN and gender swapping. The current findings indicate the effects of gender-atypical behaviors and gender identity on gender swapping among Chinese MMORPGs players.

Мотивационные корреляты жизнестойкости и виртуальной идентичности молодых геймеров

The research is relevant due to the necessity to explore how gaming motivational mechanisms reduce internal tension and shape gamers’ identity in massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG). The aim of the research is to investigate the role of gaming motivation shaping virtual identity and hardiness of young gamers. Hypothesis: gaming motivation correlates with reduced internal tension and influences the formation of gamers’ virtual identity in cyber space. Participants: N = 120 aged 18–25 years (n male = 72; n female = 48; M = 20.4; SD = 2.5) living in the central region of the Russian Federation. Methods (tools): The Gaming Motivation Scale (Nick Yee adapted by N. V. Bogacheva, V. E. Epishina, A. V. Milyanskaya) was used to assess game motivation for playing massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG); an abridged version of the Hardiness Test (S. Maddi adapted by E. N. Osin, E. I. Rasskazova) was used to assess resilience; the Virtual Identity Status Inventory (VISI) (M. V. Klementyeva) was used to assess the status of virtual identities; the Game Experience Questionnaire (W. A. Ijsselsteijn, Y. A. W. de Kort, and K. Poels adapted by M. V. Klementyeva, M. V. Kurguzov) was used to assess players’ competence. Results: the research demonstrated significant differences in the manifestation of gamers’ “hardines”: higher values were recorded during gameplay. We found strong links between gaming motives, hardines, gaming skills and virtual identity. Despite their seamless gaming motivation and perfect gaming competence, gamers experience internal tension, helplessness in real life and strive to escape reality while forming a virtual identity based on the images of their gaming avatars. Main conclusions: in an online game, young gamers are able to cope more effectively with internal stress, compared with the real environment; they are able to maintain identity, and successfully implement gaming motives. Practical application: the research results can be used to develop techniques aimed at strengthening hardines and supporting identity formation in young gamers.

Disrupting MMORPGs gaming: Exploring and renegotiating end-user license agreements in the Metaverse

This paper explores key legal issues surrounding gaming platforms that provide/host Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games. Since we are entering the next epoch of the Internet, Web3.0 – and the emergence of Metaverses that operate within this space, this paper conducts an inquiry into the key facets of end-user license agreements (EULAs) used in the platforms that may likely need to be renegotiated. Firstly, how do we reconcile the legal regulatory status of gaming platforms in a decentralized Web3.0 Metaverse? Secondly, how can the rights of end users of gaming platforms be protected vis-à-vis the EULAs in this space? And thirdly, what specific aspects in existing EULAs are likely needed to be renegotiated in light of a decentralized Web3.0 Metaverse? This paper will utilize a case study using the EULAs of Blizzard Entertainment Inc. and provide a possible reformulation of specific terms and conditions of EULAs.

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.

PU-Detector: A PU Learning-based Framework for Real Money Trading Detection in MMORPG

Massive multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPG) have been becoming one of the most popular and exciting online games. In recent years, a cheating phenomenon called real money trading (RMT) has arisen and damaged the fantasy world in many ways. RMT is the sale of in-game items, currency, or even characters to earn real money, breaking the balance of the game economy ecosystem and damaging the game experience. Therefore, some studies have emerged to address the problem of RMT detection. However, they cannot well handle the label uncertainty problem in practice, where there are only labeled RMT samples (positive samples) and unlabeled samples, which could either be RMT samples or normal transactions (negative samples). Meanwhile, the trading relationship between RMTers is modeled in a simple way, leading to some normal transactions being falsely classified as RMT. In this article, we propose PU-Detector, a novel framework based on PU learning (learning from positive and unlabeled data) for RMT detection, considering the fact that there are only labeled RMT samples and other unlabeled transactions. We first automatically estimate the likelihood of one transaction being RMT by developing an improved PU learning method and proposing an assessment rule. Sequentially, we use the estimated likelihood as edge weight to construct a trading graph to learn trader representation. Then, with the trader representations and basic trading features, we detect RMT samples by the improved PU learning method. PU-Detector is evaluated on a large-scale real world dataset consisting of 33,809,956 transaction logs generated by 43,217 unique players. Compared with other approaches, it achieves the state-of-the-art performance and demonstrates its advantages in detecting underlying RMT samples.

The (unlocated) in-game gender performativity in contemporary China: exploring gender swapping practices in the online game sphere

ABSTRACT Gender swapping—selecting a different gender for an avatar in a game than the one assigned to the player in real life—is common, especially in massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs). Such swapping enables a livable transsexual experience. This experience is challenging and dangerous in the real world, which is dominated by gender dimorphism and heteronormative values. Building upon Terry Lovell’s (2003) critique of Judith Butler’s (1990, 2004) concepts of gender performance and performativity, this article identifies different gender swapping practices and their cultural and political implications in contemporary China. Through digital ethnography and in-depth interviews with 31 interviewees, we identified two distinct types of in-game gender swapping: in-game performance and in-game performance of performativity. Regarding in-game performance, heterosexual gamers choose an opposite gender to achieve better outcomes, to avoid sexual harassment, and to fulfill heterosexual- and homosexual-gazing desires. Lesbians’ and gay men’s in-game performance of performativity highlights the newly emerging practice of queer dating and socializing in MMORPGs, displaying a productive process of nonconforming identity creation. However, due to the extensive online censorship and an increasingly hostile environment towards queer culture, the performativity of in-game gender-swapping—which has the potential to disrupt the social order both within and outside the gaming sphere—cannot be identified.

Productive Word Knowledge Development and Its Relation to Informal Contact with English through Various Leisure Activities

Much of the previous research that has provided evidence for the relationship between engagement in out-of-class activities and vocabulary outcomes has focused on receptive word gains. However, little research has attempted to explore this relationship with productive word knowledge. Additionally, the contribution of various gaming genres to the relationship is particularly underexplored. The present mixed-method study fills these lacunas by employing a productive vocabulary levels test, a questionnaire, and semi-structured interviews to explore the relationship between 35 different leisure activities that English as a foreign language (EFL) learners engage in outside the classroom and their productive vocabulary growth. The study’s findings revealed that although learners frequently engaged in different activities, they spent most of their free time gaming, which contributed the most to productive word knowledge learning. Regression analysis showed that two gaming genres, massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) and first-person shooters, significantly predicted productive knowledge of words. Qualitative analysis demonstrated that, in general, the participants had a positive perception of informal engagement with English activities outside formal learning contexts.

Socialization via Online Gaming: Perspectives of Five Autistic Adolescents and Their Parents

This study investigated whether autistic adolescents are socially motivated to play Massive Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) and sought to explore whether parents’ perceptions of MMORPGs and the closeness of the parent-child relationships’ impact upon gaming habits. In a qualitative-based study, we explored the perspectives of five pairs of autistic adolescents and one of their parents. The themes identified through adolescent interviews indicated that autistic adolescents who play MMORPGs perceive that in-game socializing enhances their gaming experience which motivates them to socialize with other players and facilitates development of friendships. The themes derived from interviewing parents indicated that parents perceive social benefits to playing MMORPGs for their child, but there are factors that impact their support of socializing via gaming such as their own game use, attitudes towards socializing via games, and the amount of time their child spends gaming. This study’s findings suggest that playing MMORPGs can potentially enhance quality-of-life for autistic adolescents through increased socialization and friendships and highlights the importance of the parent-child relationship and how this supports autistic adolescents to develop socially. However, as there were no parent-child pairs reporting low closeness, the transferability of these findings may be limited to parent-child pairs with close relationships. This research indicates that parents who play games alongside their autistic child are more likely to be more understanding of, and acknowledge, the social benefits of gaming in helping their child develop socially. These findings have implications for the development of cost-efficient, accessible interventions to facilitate socialization.

Interplay between Media and Player Engagement: A Study of Media’s Effect on the World of Warcraft Gaming Experience

In the dynamic realm of online gaming, sustaining player engagement and immersion within a virtual environment is paramount for both the player community and game developers. World of Warcraft (WoW), a prominent massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), has experienced considerable evolution since its inception in 2004. As gaming technologies advance and player expectations shift, a variety of media platforms, such as forums, social networks, and streaming services, have surfaced, playing a pivotal role in augmenting the WoW gaming experience. This study delves into the impact of different versions of WoW on the players' content experience, focusing on how these media platforms influence player engagement, communication strategies, and problem-solving approaches. Employing qualitative research methods, particularly in-depth interviews, this paper weaves a comprehensive narrative that sheds light on the intersection of technological evolution and gaming experiences. Our findings indicate that the specific version of WoW plays a critical role in shaping player interactions and problem-solving methods. The Classic WoW iteration fosters a sense of community and interaction, necessitating collaboration and the use of external resources. In contrast, Modern WoW has streamlined gameplay mechanics, thereby reducing the emphasis on collaborative efforts and the role of community within the game. This research underscores the fluid nature of social dynamics within the game, evolving in response to the changing preferences and expectations of the player base.

The Effect of Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPG) Vocabulary on Students’ Willingness to Communicate: A Narrative Inquiry

Learning is not only done in the classroom but also outside the classroom through game media. This study focuses on the effect of vocabulary knowledge from massively multiplayer online role-playing games on students' willingness to communicate. The subjects of this research are three EFL learners who play MMORPG games. This study uses a biographical narrative inquiry method and collects data through semi-structured interviews and artefacts. EFL learners were assigned to share their experiences playing MMORPGs related to vocabulary knowledge and the desire to communicate. The data is analysed using thematic analysis. The findings highlight the positive impact of vocabulary knowledge on participants' self-confidence and pronunciation skills. A solid grasp of game-related vocabulary increases participants' self-confidence, making them more comfortable engaging in conversations and less afraid of making mistakes. It also improves pronunciation skills, as participants better understand word pronunciation through in-game interactions. Through collaboration among teachers, institutions, and parents, using MMORPGs as a learning tool is expected to provide maximum benefits for students in improving their English communication skills.

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.

The Effect of Speech Acts Used in MMORPGs as an Educational Strategy to Improve Communicative Competence

Digital game-based learning tends to pedagogy and linguistic fields. Massive multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) contain beneficial strategies for EFL, and speech acts in MMORPGs refer to representative acts and assertive utterances. Although current research is too narrow and limited to confirm MMORPGs practical value and educational strategy, other experimental studies indicate that digital game-based learning with multiple players has the potential on learning improve linguistic knowledge and communication competence. This study sums up relevant research about MMORPGs and digital game contexts to analyze their functions in language learning and social ability. Some discussions show that digital games for educational purposes provide diverse immersive English contexts, motivations, and sufficient practice opportunities for EFL learners. However, several studies also argue that young learners may be addicted to online games but not for complete learning. Thus, there shall be continuous experimental research and generative literature reviews to prove the utility of digital game-based learning for future studies. It is also expected that digital game-based learning will become one of the most useful education tools to promote language proficiency and strengthen EFL language skills and socialization.

The Influence of Game-Enhanced Communication on EFL Learners’ Pragmatic Competence in Compliment Responses

Abstract A small number of studies have explored the effects of digital gaming on second/foreign language (L2) pragmatic competence. However, the effectiveness of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) germane to L2 pragmatic development remains unclear because most game-mediated pragmatics studies have focused on educational games. Adopting the interactionist approach, this pretest-immediate-posttest-delayed-posttest study investigated the influence of an MMORPG on L2 learners’ pragmatic competence in compliment responses. Specifically, 105 English-as-a-foreign-language learners from a university in China interacted with L1-English-speaking players in World of Warcraft for four weeks. Unlike most studies that have conducted discourse completion tasks for data collection, compliment responses were gathered through computer-mediated communication with L1-English-speaking interlocutors on WeChat. Results showed that the learners tended to deny compliments on the pretest, whereas they preferred to accept praise on the immediate and delayed posttests. Implications for language policy-making and teaching are discussed regarding the usefulness of MMORPGs for learners who are not immersed in the environment of the target language or have few opportunities to go abroad to experience various social contexts in an L2.

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.

Game on: Notes on Language Learning Potentials Through MMORPGs’ Social and Motivational Dynamics

This paper explores the dynamic intersection between Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) and second language learning, focusing on the intertwined elements of motivation and social interaction. Through a review of existing research, including works by Peterson (2010), Zheng et al. (2009), Thorne et al. (2009), and Sylvén and Sundqvist (2017, 2012), the paper highlights how MMORPGs provide immersive and authentic contexts for language practice. MMORPGs foster receptive and productive language skills by engaging players in complex linguistic exchanges and culturally rich narratives. The intrinsic motivational aspects of gaming and the social dynamics of MMORPGs create an engaging learning environment. However, the paper also acknowledges challenges such as cognitive overload, the use of informal language, the potential propagation of incorrect language use, and the possibility of negative social interactions. In conclusion, while MMORPGs offer innovative platforms for language learning, careful consideration of their opportunities and challenges is essential. The article calls for continued exploration and thoughtful implementation to fully harness the educational potential of MMORPGs in language education.

Application of Goffman's Theory of Dramaturgy and Baudrillard's Concepts of Simulacrum and Simulation in the Metaverse

This study investigates social interaction within the Metaverse from the perspective of Goffman's dramaturgical theory and Baudrillard's theory of hyperreality. The Metaverse, as a deeply immersive virtual 3-D world, presents extensive opportunities for sociological analysis of the presentation of self, identity construction, and the creation of "hyperreality" within the contemporary digital world. This study employs the virtual ethnographic methods of participant observation and semi-structured interviewing within four Metaverse contexts including massive multiplayer online role-playing games, immersive social media, Metaverse conferences, and digital human live broadcasts. Results show that participant activities are clustered into three main themes, namely the replication of the self and self-idealization, the extension of the self, and identity masking/unmasking. Through employing dramaturgical theory and the theory of hyperreality, the analysis of these three themes illuminates a deeper understanding of how Metaverse social interactions both replicate and diverge from sociological understandings of the self, identity, and "reality".

Experiencing China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage in Role-playing Games: Comparative Studies between MMORPGs and Larps

In recent years, considerable attention has been devoted to preserving intangible cultural heritage (ICH) through games. From a combined game studies and heritage studies perspective, role-playing games (RPGs) have a unique advantage in that they immerse the player in a character to experience and understand the basics of culture in an engaging way. Among different types of role-playing games, live-action role-playing (larp) and massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) have a great potential to promote the learning of intangible cultural expressions and traditions that make them available to a wider public. In China, MMORPGs have had a positive impact on preserving China’s intangible heritage in virtual space and larps, specifically in the form of Jubensha, are also playing an important role in the same way.
 The purpose of this study is to delve into how the ICH of China is being represented in MMORPGs and larps as an educational tool. With that target in mind, a close reading of selected MMORPG games -- A Dream of Jianghu and Justice Online -- and a larp game -- The Secret of the Gauze Lantern -- was conducted. The goals of this research are to understand what cultural experiences are integrated in those role-playing games to introduce Chinese ICH and explore the main differences between them in representing those intangible cultural elements. After analyzing these RPGs in-depth, I argue that both MMORPGs and larps show potential to safeguard the intangible cultural heritage of China; while MMORPGs present national-level intangible elements from different regions of China, Jubensha as a kind of larp focuses more on the indigenous traditions and customs of small-scale local areas.

International Journal of Role-playing 14 -- Full Issue -- IJRP

IJRP 14: Full Issue
 Table of Contents
 Evan Torner, Sarah Lynne Bowman, and William J. White -- "Editorial: Transformative Play Seminar 2022: Role-playing, Heritage, and Culture"
 This special issue is the second of a two-part series collecting the short articles presented during the Transformative Play Initiative Seminar, held at Uppsala University Campus Gotland in Visby, Sweden on October 20-21, 2022.
 "Statement by Mohamad Rabah"
 The statement reveals why the keynoter from Palestine was unable to attend the seminar in Visby due to a delayed visa approval by the Swedish Embassy in Israel. The statement emphasizes the importance of play as a tool for hope for young children, but also its limitations in the face of oppression.
 Weronika Szatkowska, "The People: A Serious Role-playing Game Designed to Address a Humanitarian Crisis"
 This article presents a case study of a serious role-play game called The People. The game was created as a response to the migration crisis on the Polish-Belarusian border in cooperation with an engaged collective of researchers and groups of activists.
 Tadeu Rodrigues Iuama, "Towards the Post-Modern Art Week: Anthropophagic Reflexes in the Brazilian Larp Scenes"
 This article reflects on larp using the concept of anthropophagy. The metaphor, created by Oswald de Andrade in 1928 in Brazil, is characterized by the de-hierarchization of the hegemonic places of culture and by the critical digestion of the Other.
 Rian Rezende and Denise Portinari -- "Playing with Wonders: Objects, Role-Playing Games, and the Cultural Legacy of Bispo do Rosário for the City of Rio de Janeiro"
 This work focuses on an art object called “The Presentation Cloak.” The cloak forms a central element of micro role-playing games created to encourage people to experience stories linked to Brazilian cultural heritage.
 Yuqiao Liu --"Experiencing China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage in Role-playing Games: Comparative Studies between MMORPGs and Larps"
 Using case studies from MMORPGs and Jubensha, this article explores the great potential role-playing games have to promote the learning of intangible cultural expres sions and traditions of China and make them available to a wider public.
 Bálint Márk Turi and Mátyás Hartyándi -- "Playing With The Fictitious “I”: Early Forms of Educational Role-playing in Hungary, 1938-1978"
 This article analyzes various sources to determine what forms of transformative play were present at the Bánk vacation program in Hungary (1938-1978). The authors discuss the program as a unique heritage of educational role-playing.
 Evan Torner -- "Jeppe and Maria Bergmann Ham-ming’s Literary-Musical Larp Adaptations"
 This article addresses analog RPG authorship through an analysis of three music-based blackbox larps by Jeppe and Maria Bergmann Hamming. The larps bear a unique signature, using aesthetic idealism and high culture to explore themes of decadance and downfall.
 Josephine Baird -- "Larp as a Potential Space for Non-Formal Queer Cultural Heritage"
 This article argues that larp design seeking to reflect and represent queer cultural production in social and performance spaces may allow for non-formal education on LGBTQIA+ lives and heritage, as well as personal (gender) expression, exploration, and embodiment.
 Hilda Levin -- "Bridging Historical and Present-Day Queer Community Through Embodied Role-playing"
 This article argues that in the affirmative space of larp, playing queer personality traits that might be suppressed can offer opportunities for personal growth and community building. Such impacts are especially possible with metareflection and integration.
 Henry Korkeila and J. Tuomas Harviainen -- "Gaming Capital in Contemporary Role-playing Game Platforms"
 This study approaches the formation of gaming capital within both Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) and Dungeons & Dragons (1974), emphasizing information flow and social space perspectives.

Gaming Capital in Contemporary Role-playing Game Platforms

Gaming capital: a fifteen-year-old theory detailing how one’s gaming knowledge can be conceptualized into something tangible. In her book Cheating: Gaining Advantage in Video Games, Consalvo (2007) presented the term gaming capital to give a name and meaning to the collective understanding of both the individual player and the communities that entail the discussions about the game, genre, or the platform – including topics like knowledge, experience, and skill. Yet, there has not been much scholarly attention given to where one would situate gaming capital between cultural and symbolic capital, and where social capital would influence the transformation of knowledge to gaming capital. The discussion about gaming capital has been more about what it is, and what can be or cannot be gaming capital, but what steers gaming capital as an entity at their disposal has not been studied enough yet. The world of gaming has moved massively forwards in fifteen years, and the whole concept of what “gaming” is has subsequently changed, not only within the online multiplayer video game scene, but within analogue role-playing games too. Both mediums have their ways of accumulating and spending capital, and not everything is different in terms of gaming capital. Therefore, this study approaches the formation of gaming capital within both Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) and Dungeons & Dragons (1974) through information flow and social space perspectives.