Motivations to Play Specifically Predict Excessive Involvement in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games: Evidence from an Online Survey
In: European addiction research, Band 17, Heft 4, S. 185-189
ISSN: 1421-9891
<i>Background:</i> Several studies have linked massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) with possible problematic usage or internet addiction. <i>Aims:</i> 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. <i>Methods:</i> A total of 696 gamers responded to an online survey. <i>Results and Conclusion:</i> 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.