Billieux, Joël[University of Luxembourg > Faculty of Language and Literature, Humanities, Arts and Education (FLSHASE) > Integrative Research Unit: Social and Individual Development (INSIDE)]
[en] Adolescent ; Adult ; Behavior, Addictive/diagnosis/psychology ; Female ; Health Surveys/methods ; Humans ; Internet ; Interpersonal Relations ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Motivation ; Predictive Value of Tests ; Role Playing ; Video Games/psychology ; Young Adult
[en] 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.