The integrative model of motivation in massively multiplayer online role-playing game

Abstract

This study is to investigate the motivation factors in the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG). This study suggests the integrative model of intrinsic and extrinsic motivators, and includes environmental moderators for the engagement in multiplayer online role-playing game. For empirical analysis, this study gathered data from 228 university students in South Korean by a survey method. The results showed the followings. First, the results of intrinsic motivation show that the more fantasy, diversion or arousal participants pursue in MMORPG play, the more they are engaged in MMORPG. Second, the results of extrinsic motivation show that the more completion, challenge or social interaction participants pursue in game MMORPG, the more likely they are to be engaged in MMORPG. Third, regarding social presence, the positive relationship between diversion and engagement in game is shown to be stronger for gamers in MMORPG platform higher rather than lower in social presence. Finally, regarding social capital, the positive relationship between challenge and engagement in game is shown to be stronger for gamers in MMORPG platform higher rather than lower in social capital.