TOWARD A CONCEPTUAL MODEL FOR UNDERSTANDING THE RELATIONSHIPS AMONG MMORPGS, GAMERS, AND ADD-ONS

Abstract

The consumption of video games has become a significant economic, cultural, and entertainment phenomenon worldwide. Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs) are an important category of such games. In MMORPGs, gamers often play with add-ons to enhance their gaming experience. In previous research studies on MMORPGs, few of them have focused on the relationships among MMORPGs, gamers, and add-ons. This study presents a conceptual framework for use in addressing the following two questions: (1) What is the relationship between gamers and add-ons in MMORPGs? (2) How do factors (such as game quality and updates) impact gamers and add-ons and the relationship between them? In this paper, we develop a research model and describe a quantitative methodology that can be used to test and investigate the above questions. Implications for research and practice, as well as limitations and future research directions, are discussed.