Background: Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing
Games (MMORPGs) are video games in which a large number
of players interact with one another in a persistent virtual
world. MMORPGs can become problematic and result in
negative outcomes in daily living (e.g. loss of control on gaming
behaviors, compromised social and individual quality of
life). The aim of the present study is to investigate psychological
predictors of problematic involvement in MMORPGs.
Sampling and Methods: Fifty-four males who played
MMORPGs regularly were recruited in cybercafés and
screened using the UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale (which assesses
4 facets of impulsivity) and the Motivation to Play Online
Questionnaire (which assesses personal motives to play
online). Negative consequences due to excessive time spent
on the Internet were assessed with the Internet Addiction
Test. Results: Multiple regression analysis showed that problematic
use of MMORPGs is significantly predicted by: (1) high urgency ( b = 0.45), and (2) a motivation to play for immersion
( b = 0.35). Conclusion: This study showed that, for
certain individuals (who are characterized by a proneness to
act rashly in emotional contexts and motivated to play to be
immersed in a virtual world), involvement in MMORPGs can
become problematic and engender tangible negative consequences
in daily life