Background and aims: Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games have become the most popular type of
video games played worldwide, superseding the playing of Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games and
First-Person Shooter games. However, empirical studies focusing on the use and abuse of MOBA games are still
very limited, particularly regarding impulsivity, which is an indicator of addictive states but has not yet been
explored in MOBA games. In this context, the objective of the present study is to explore the associations
between impulsivity and symptoms of addictive use of MOBA games in a sample of highly involved League of
Legends (LoL, currently the most popular MOBA game) gamers. Methods: Thirty-six LoL gamers were recruited
and completed both experimental (Single Key Impulsivity Paradigm) and self-reported impulsivity assessments
(s-UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale, Barratt Impulsiveness Scale), in addition to an assessment of problematic video
game use (Problematic Online Gaming Questionnaire). Results: Results showed links between impulsivity-related
constructs and signs of excessive MOBA game involvement. Findings indicated that impaired ability to postpone
rewards in an experimental laboratory task was strongly related to problematic patterns of MOBA game involvement.
Although less consistent, several associations were also found between self-reported impulsivity traits and signs of
excessive MOBA game involvement. Conclusions: Despite these results are preliminary and based upon a small (selfselected)
sample, the present study highlights potential psychological factors related to the addictive use of MOBA
games.