Massively Multiplayer Online Games and Well-Being: A Systematic Literature Review

The Social Processes of Excessive Online Gaming Homophily: Peer Selection or Influence?

Adolescents who befriend online game using peers may be at risk for initiated and continued excessive game use (online gaming use homophily). The present article examined how adolescents' severity of online gaming use related to their friends' online gaming behavior bi-directionally across a semester (peer selection or peer influence effect). Students from two universities completed three waves of online surveys within four and a half months (N = 3079; 33.6% female; Mage = 19.16; SD = 0.97). Random-intercepts, Cross-Lagged Panel Model (RI-CLPM) analyses revealed that peer selection and peer influence both promote online gaming use homophily in adolescents' friendship groups. Furthermore, participants were more likely to form new friendships with peers exhibiting similar online gaming behavior as their behavior, subsequently reinforcing their online gaming use behaviors within these relationships. These social processes may exhibit a time lag among girls, which needs to be confirmed through longer-term follow-up. In general, findings suggest that effective prevention programs targeting excessive online gaming should not only focus on promoting social influence skills but also consider the structure of peer environments.

Gaming Disorder: The role of a gamers flow profile

Digital games are widely popular and integral to contemporary entertainment. Nevertheless, a proportion of users present with disordered/excessive gaming behaviours, provisionally classified as Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). Previous literature suggests examining the contribution of an individual's profile of immersive engagement with their gaming activity, known as online flow, for disordered gaming behaviours. Therefore, the main goals of this study were (1) to categorise gamers into distinct profiles based on their online flow experiences and (2) to investigate the differences in disordered gaming among these different flow profiles. A sample of 565 gamers (12-68 years, Mage = 29.3 years) was assessed twice over six months with the Online Flow Questionnaire (OFQ), the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short-Form (IGDS9-SF), and the Gaming Disorder Test (GDT). Latent profile analysis (LPA) identified five distinct profiles encompassing 'High-Flow with High Loss of Control' (HF-HLOC; 14.0 %), 'Low Flow with Low Enjoyment' (LF-LE; 11.9 %), 'Average Flow with Low Enjoyment' (AF-LE; 17.5 %), 'Low Flow with High Enjoyment' (LF-HE; 20.2 %), and 'High Loss of Sense of Time with Low Loss of Control' groups (HLOT-LLOC; 36.5 %). As hypothesised, individuals across varying profiles evidenced differences in their concurrent and longitudinal disordered gaming behaviours. Overall, findings suggest that 'loss of sense of time' may be the most pivotal factor in differentiating flow states and profiles during gaming, advocating its consideration in disordered gaming assessment and treatment.

Gaming motivation and well-being among Norwegian adult gamers: the role of gender and disability

Introduction

Digital gaming is a popular and often social activity, also among adults. However, we need more knowledge of the social dynamics of gaming and its potential benefits for one's well-being. The current study aimed to examine gaming motivation, time spent gaming, and gaming performed together with friends, family, or romantic partner and how these aspects relate to expanded social network and well-being among men and women with and without disability.

Methods

Regular players of the popular game Fortnite Battle Royale (FBR; N = 278, 48.5% women, Mage = 32.38) completed an online questionnaire assessing their motivations for playing FBR (social motivation, achievement motivation, novelty motivation), time spent gaming, whom they usually play with, their psychological well-being, and FBR's impact on their life and social network. Differentiated statistical analyses on gender and disability were performed.

Results and discussion

The results showed that time spent gaming and social motivation to play were associated with larger social networks for all participants (strongest for women). More time spent gaming FBR was also associated with a positive impact on life for those with a disability. Social motivation to play was positively associated with a positive impact on life for men and those without a disability and increased well-being for women. Novelty motivation, which concerns experiencing new features in the game, was associated with a positive impact on life for women and with a decrease in well-being for those with a disability. This study demonstrated that gaming can be an essential social arena associated with positive outcomes for men, women and disabled people, who-when socially motivated-may expand their social networks through gaming.

Measurement Invariance of the Lemmens Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-9 Across Age, Gender, and Respondents

Although Internet gaming disorder (IGD) has gained increased attention in scientific, clinical, and community contexts, there is still a lack of consensus regarding the best assessment tools (i.e., self-report or other reports) for assessing its symptoms. The present study aimed to investigate the reliability, validity, and measurement invariance of both versions (youth and parent) of The Lemmens Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-9. To achieve this goal, we recruited between June and October 2019 from five Romanian highschools a total of 697 adolescents (11-19 years old) and one of their parents (N = 391). The internal consistency was good in both versions of the instrument (α = 0.772 for the youth version and α = 0.781 for the parent version). Construct validity assessed through confirmatory factor analysis showed support for the one factor structure of the scales, while multigroup confirmatory factor analysis endorsed the invariance across age, gender, and respondents (i.e., parent vs. youth report). The current research identifies both IGD scales to be reliable and valid, arguing for their utility for assessing IGD symptomatology among adolescents. Implications for theory, assessment, and future directions are discussed.

Deep learning(s) in gaming disorder through the user-avatar bond: A longitudinal study using machine learning

Background and aims

Gaming disorder [GD] risk has been associated with the way gamers bond with their visual representation (i.e., avatar) in the game-world. More specifically, a gamer's relationship with their avatar has been shown to provide reliable mental health information about the user in their offline life, such as their current and prospective GD risk, if appropriately decoded.

Methods

To contribute to the paucity of knowledge in this area, 565 gamers (Mage = 29.3 years; SD =10.6) were assessed twice, six months apart, using the User-Avatar-Bond Scale (UABS) and the Gaming Disorder Test. A series of tuned and untuned artificial intelligence [AI] classifiers analysed concurrently and prospectively their responses.

Results

Findings showed that AI models learned to accurately and automatically identify GD risk cases, based on gamers' reported UABS score, age, and length of gaming involvement, both concurrently and longitudinally (i.e., six months later). Random forests outperformed all other AIs, while avatar immersion was shown to be the strongest training predictor.

Conclusion

Study outcomes demonstrated that the user-avatar bond can be translated into accurate, concurrent and future GD risk predictions using trained AI classifiers. Assessment, prevention, and practice implications are discussed in the light of these findings.

From game engagement to craving responses - The role of gratification and compensation experiences during video-gaming in casual and at-risk gamers

Introduction

Although playing videogames is a common leisure activity some individuals develop problematic gaming behaviors or even symptoms of a gaming disorder. Game engagement may be involved in reinforcement learning that may result in experiences of craving, an important feature of gaming disorder. In the following study we aimed to approach the question which aspects contribute to increased craving for gaming.

Methods

Overall, 439 individuals participated in an online survey, answering questionnaires on game engagement, experience of gratification and compensation, craving, and symptoms of gaming disorder. A mediation model testing if the association between game engagement and facets of craving are mediated by the experience of gratification and compensation during gaming.

Results

Three facets of craving (reward/relief, physiological, obsessive craving) were statistically explained by game engagement and the experience of gratification and compensation. Models differed between casual gamers and at-risk gamers. The effects on reward/relief and physiological craving were fully mediated in the casual group and partially mediated in the at-risk group by gratification and compensation experiences.

Conclusion

Game engagement may contribute to the development of craving by increasing the experience of gratification and compensation and thus might be important in reinforcement learning. Games evoking a high engagement may therefore have a higher addictive potential. Further processes potentially related to game engagement, such as intrusive thoughts and desire thinking, which are related to craving experiences, should be considered in future studies.

Press Play to Feel: The Role of Attachment Styles and Alexithymic Features in Problematic Gaming

Problematic gaming has been consistently associated with insecure attachment styles and alexithymia. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the impact of specific alexithymic features and insecure attachment styles on problematic gaming. The study included a sample of 358 online game players (242 males, 67.6%) between the ages of 18 and 59 (M = 28.46; SD = 8.76) who were recruited from online gaming communities. The participants completed a sociodemographic schedule and measures on attachment styles, alexithymia, and problematic gaming. The results provide evidence for a positive prediction of problematic gaming by dismissing attachment style and the alexithymic factors concerning the difficulty identifying feelings and externally oriented thinking, even when controlling for potentially confounding factors, such as age, sex, education, marital status, and self-reported time devoted to online games. Additionally, the analysis revealed a significant interaction effect between externally oriented thinking and dismissing attachment style in the prediction of problematic gaming. The interaction implies that the alexithymia factors pertaining to externally oriented thinking hold significant relevance in predicting problematic gaming behaviors, especially in cases where dismissive attachment levels are moderately to highly present. These findings emphasize the significance of considering specific insecure attachment styles and alexithymic features when studying problematic gaming behaviors.

Differences between recreational gamers and Internet Gaming Disorder candidates in a sample of Animal Crossing: New Horizons players

Throughout the last decade, research has considered players' gaming motives as risk and the perceived social support (PSS) as protective factors in the context of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD). However, the literature is lacking diversity regarding the representation of female gamers as well as of casual and console-based games. The aim of this study was to assess IGD, gaming motives, and PSS comparing recreational gamers and IGD candidates in a sample of Animal Crossing: New Horizons players. A total of 2909 ACNH players (93.7% of them female gamers) took part in an online survey which collected demographic, gaming-related, motivational, and psychopathologic data. Using the cut-off of at least five positive answers to the IGDQ, potential IGD candidates were identified. ACNH players reported a high prevalence rate for IGD (10.3%). IGD candidates differed from recreational players regarding age, sex, and game-related, motivational, and psychopathological variables. A binary logistic regression model was computed to predict membership in the potential IGD group. Age, PSS, escapism and competition motives as well as psychopathology were significant predictors. To discuss IGD in the context of casual gaming, we consider demographic, motivational, and psychopathological player characteristics as well as game design and the COVID-19 pandemic. IGD research needs to broaden its focus concerning game types as well as gamer populations.

Playing and Socializing—Adults’ Perceptions of the FIFA Digital Game

Gamers’ perceptions of using competitive digital games, especially concerning anxiety and socialization, have raised doubts about the benefits of playing such games. Since different studies highlight different results, this research aims to explore these differences by analyzing the perceptions of adults involved in playing a competitive digital game, in this case, FIFA, considering data that were collected during the COVID-19 pandemic period. The main question is ‘How do adults perceive anxiety, stress, and socialization when playing the FIFA digital game?’. The research comprises two studies involving volunteer participants: In the first part, which adopts a qualitative approach, the participants’ perceptions of what they think and feel when playing FIFA were analyzed and interpreted using text mining analysis. In the second, a quantitative study, FIFA users’ perceptions of the gaming experience were statistically analyzed. The results show that adult users tend to refer to positive perceived stress and socialization. The fact that participants identified manipulations and interference in the game and no longer allowed its use to influence their mood reveals that perceptions of attacks of rage were considered possible reactions to the use of the game, interpreted from the interface, and leading to the creation of knowledge.

The Effects of Playing Video Games on Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Loneliness, and Gaming Disorder During the Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic: PRISMA Systematic Review

During the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, playing video games has been much more than just a pastime. Studies suggested that video games for many individuals have helped to cope with such difficult life experience. However, other research indicates that gaming may have had harmful effects. Within this context, this systematic review aimed to describe the literature on the effects of video games during the early stages of the COVID-19 crisis on stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and gaming disorder (GD), examining the study characteristics and outcomes. A systematic search of the literature was made following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. It was preregistered in the International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (INPLASY)-INPLASY202180053. The search databases were PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Medline. The search string was: [("video game*") OR ("computer game*") OR ("gaming")] AND [("COVID-19")]. Twenty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Four research explored the effects of playing video games during the COVID-19 pandemic on stress, anxiety, and depression. Four studies investigated loneliness, while 18 research investigated game disorder. Video games, especially augmented reality and online multiplayer ones, mitigated stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness among adolescents and young adults during stay-at-home restrictions. However, in the case of at-risk individuals (i.e., particularly male youths), playing video games had detrimental effects.

Is Increased Video Game Participation Associated With Reduced Sense of Loneliness? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the existing evidence in literature addressing the relationship between video game participation and loneliness. The following databases were searched on October 2, 2021: Medline, Psychinfo, SportDiscus, Web of Science, and CINAHL. The risk of bias of cross-sectional study was assessed by using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies with attrition bias added for longitudinal studies. The results of all included studies were synthesized using narrative synthesis. Meta-analysis was utilized to synthesis the findings of the studies that had sufficient degree of statistical and methodological homogeneity. Eighteen studies were included in this systematic review, which comprised of 20,372 participants. The narrative synthesis showed mixed findings on the relationship between video game participation and loneliness. Meta-analysis that was conducted to nine cross-sectional studies revealed that video game participation was positively and weakly associated with loneliness (r = 0.10, 95% CI = 0.03-0.17). Both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies demonstrated serious risk of bias with the addition of serious inconsistency of findings from cross-sectional studies. The existing literature is equivocal in terms of making a definitive judgment on the association between video game participation and loneliness. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021283025. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42021283025.

Cumulative Family Risk and Internet Gaming Disorder Among Adolescents: A Serial Mediating Model of Personal Growth Initiative and Gratitude

In the digital era, playing internet games enriches the entertainment forms for young generations. At the same time, it also raises some social issues, and internet gaming disorder (IGD) is one of them. Abundant studies demonstrate that IGD is harmful to individual physiological and psychological health. Therefore, it is necessary to figure out the reasons and mechanisms behind this phenomenon. Based on the ecological systems theory, the present study investigated the cumulative effect of family risks on adolescent IGD and the serial mediating effects of personal growth initiative (PGI) and gratitude in a chain mediation model. Using random cluster sampling, a sample of 600 Chinese adolescents was recruited to complete the questionnaire. Results of regression analysis suggested that cumulative family risks could positively predict IGD among adolescents. Moreover, PGI and gratitude mediated the relationship between cumulative family risk and IGD, separately, and sequentially. These findings may provide some guidance for the prevention and intervention to prevent or reduce IGD in adolescents.

Draconian policy measures are unlikely to prevent disordered gaming

In August of 2021, China imposed severe restrictions on children's online gaming time. We argue that such a policy may seem useful on the surface but does not reflect the current evidence concerning prevention of disordered gaming. Videogame play is normal for children worldwide, and like other leisure activities can lead to benefits for the majority and problems for a minority. Problematic or disordered play results from the interaction of multiple risk factors that are not addressed by draconian policy measures. Identifying these factors through stakeholder-engaged research and current evidence will be much more likely to succeed in preventing disordered gaming and promoting youth wellbeing.

Prevalence and underlying factors of mobile game addiction among university students in Bangladesh

BACKGROUND

Nowadays, the youth are more engaging with their more advanced smartphones having high-quality graphics and gaming features. However, existing literature depicts that adolescents suffer from several forms of psychological problems including mental health, depression, loneliness, insomnia and low self-control due to mobile game addiction. Therefore, this study aims to find the prevalence and motivating factors for mobile game addiction among university students of Bangladesh.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was carried out to collect the required information from 1125 students of three universities in Bangladesh. Descriptive statistics, χ² test and ordinal regression model are employed to meet the objective of this study.

RESULTS

The findings reveal that male students are more likely to show addictive behaviours than their counterparts in the context of mobile game addiction. The results depict that loneliness, duration of using smartphones and playing mobile games, and source of entertainment are the main cause of mobile addiction. Also, more than half of the respondents (54.3%) are severely addicted to mobile games who were influenced by friends and YouTube gamers to play games. Moreover, students are suffering from several physical problems such as headaches, eye discomfort, blurry vision and ear discomfort.

CONCLUSION

Considering the findings of this paper, the authors suggest that the authorities should consider this immediately and arrange a positive entertainment environment to prevent students from mobile games. Furthermore, it is necessary to encourage students to participate in sports or other extracurricular activities that may be helpful to lessen mobile game addiction among students in Bangladesh.