BACKGROUND: Several studies have linked massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) with possible problematic usage or internet addiction. AIMS: The main goal of the present study was to assess links between motivations to play in MMORPGs and addictive involvement in such types of games. METHODS: A total of 696 gamers responded to an online survey. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Five distinct motivations to play were identified in gamers: achievement, socializing, immersion, relaxing and escaping. Multiple regression analysis revealed that addictive MMORPG use patterns are predicted by achievement, escapism and socializing motives. Gender was also a significant predictor of problematic involvement in MMORPGs. Moreover, addictive MMORPG use positively correlated with the weekly time devoted to playing MMORPGs.
BACKGROUND: Several studies have linked massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) with possible problematic usage or internet addiction. AIMS: The main goal of the present study was to assess links between motivations to play in MMORPGs and addictive involvement in such types of games. METHODS: A total of 696 gamers responded to an online survey. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Five distinct motivations to play were identified in gamers: achievement, socializing, immersion, relaxing and escaping. Multiple regression analysis revealed that addictive MMORPG use patterns are predicted by achievement, escapism and socializing motives. Gender was also a significant predictor of problematic involvement in MMORPGs. Moreover, addictive MMORPG use positively correlated with the weekly time devoted to playing MMORPGs.
Authors: Orsolya Király; Róbert Urbán; Mark D Griffiths; Csilla Ágoston; Katalin Nagygyörgy; Gyöngyi Kökönyei; Zsolt Demetrovics Journal: J Med Internet Res Date: 2015-04-07 Impact factor: 5.428