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What We Know About Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games
Anderson Chen1, Sundus Mari, Sabina Grech
1From Harvard Medical School; Harvard South Shore Psychiatry Residency Training Program, VA Boston Healthcare System, Brockton, MA; Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA (Dr. Mari).
Harvard Review of Psychiatry
|March 6, 2020
Summary
Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) present unique addiction risks distinct from other gaming genres. Problematic MMORPG use impacts mental health and brain structure, yet can also offer social and personal benefits.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Digital Media Studies
Background:
- The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) lacks genre-specific definitions for internet gaming disorder.
- Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) are distinct online social platforms with unique addictive potentials.
- Existing literature requires a focused review on MMORPGs due to their specific characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the unique addictive properties of MMORPGs compared to other game genres.
- To review the positive and negative impacts of MMORPGs on mental health and quality of life.
- To explore the neuroscientific and neuroanatomical correlates of problematic MMORPG use.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on MMORPGs and internet gaming disorder.
- Analysis of player characteristics and motivations influencing problematic gaming.
- Examination of neuroimaging and neuroanatomical findings related to MMORPG addiction.
Main Results:
- MMORPGs exhibit higher addictive potential, warranting separate consideration.
- Problematic MMORPG use is linked to depression, addiction, and reduced quality of life.
- Neuroscientific evidence indicates changes in brain areas like the ventral striatum and left angular gyrus.
Conclusions:
- MMORPGs present distinct challenges and risks for internet gaming disorder.
- Player motivations and characteristics are crucial in determining problematic use.
- MMORPGs can offer benefits such as social interaction and identity exploration, alongside risks.
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