The effects of personal traits and game factors on immoral game behavior: Focused on

Abstract

As digital games have become popular, the number of incidents and the degree of damage caused by immoral game behavior (such as “flaming”, “trolling”) are on the rise. But few studies have been conducted to explore the antecedents to such flaming and trolling. Therefore, this study empirically examined the effects of aggression and self-esteem, and game factors (game moral positioning, game motivations, gaming time) on immoral game behaviors with participating game players of. Results showed that game moral positioning (i.e., a tendency to choose evil characters or activities) and advancement motivation (i.e., focus on competition and growth) positively affect immoral game behaviors. While “fun/interest” motivation has a negative effect on immoral game behaviors. In addition, gaming time did not affect flaming and trolling. These results show that preference of an evil moral identity or competitive motivation in a game could affect immoral game behaviors. These results show that moral preference of an evil identity or competitive motivation in a game could affect immoral game behaviors. And it could impede delectable game experience. Furthermore, meanwhile, aggression increase immoral game behaviors. But self-esteem did not affect immoral game behaviors. Finally, moral positioning moderates the impact of aggression and advancement motivation on immoral game behaviors. Consequently, digital games that solicit moral deviations should seek ways to offer unique entertainment, and to encourage game users not to put an obstacle to the other game users' positive gaming experience due to their excessive immersion in evil characters or identities. As suggested, game producers must offer diverse types of gaming systems or to organize special game modes than those promoting excessive competitiveness for the pleasure and enjoyment of various types of users.