title: Interaction with the game and motivation among players of massively multiplayer online role-playing games.
abstract: Knowledge about users interacting with Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPG) is fundamental in order to prevent their potential negative effects on behavior. For this reason, the present study analyzed the relationship between styles of play and motivations. An online questionnaire asking for socio-demographic details, playing style, characteristics of the game played and motivations for playing, was answered by 430 Spanish-speaking MMORPG players (45.1% males). The identified profile for players, far away from the stereotype of an adolescent, consisted in a person who mainly plays on PvP (Player versus Player) servers, choosing the type of game according to his experience. Regarding motivations, they were interested in relating with other players through the game (Socialization), in discovering the game's possibilities and development of its adventures (Exploration), to a lesser extent in leadership and prestige (Achievement) and, lastly, identification with an avatar and escape from reality (Dissociation). Although part of the reason for playing was escapism and/or stress relief, the main motivation had a social nature. We conclude that MMORPG offer an attractive environment for a broad spectrum of people, and we have not been able to confirm the stereotype of a loner avoiding reality, taking refuge in games.
authors.affiliation: Universidad Ramon Llull (Spain).
authors.forename: Héctor
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Fuster
authors.forename: Xavier
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Carbonell
authors.forename: Andrés
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chamarro
authors.forename: Ursula
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Oberst
mesh_terms: D000124:Achievement; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016739:Behavior, Addictive; D004213:Dissociative Disorders; D005106:Exploratory Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D011998:Recreation / Q000523:psychology; D012381:Role Playing; D012919:Social Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D018910:Video Games / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult