Massively Multiplayer Online Games and Well-Being: A Systematic Literature Review

Background: Massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) evolve online, whilst engaging large numbers of participants who play concurrently. Their online socialization component is a primary reason for their high popularity. Interestingly, the adverse effects of MMOs have attracted significant attentio...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Frontiers in psychology 2021-06, Vol.12, p.698799-698799
Main Authors: Raith, Lisa, Bignill, Julie, Stavropoulos, Vasileios, Millear, Prudence, Allen, Andrew, Stallman, Helen M., Mason, Jonathan, De Regt, Tamara, Wood, Andrew, Kannis-Dymand, Lee
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
internet gaming
massively multiplayer online
MMOs
PRISMA
Psychology
systematic literature review
well-being
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Summary:Background: Massively multiplayer online games (MMOs) evolve online, whilst engaging large numbers of participants who play concurrently. Their online socialization component is a primary reason for their high popularity. Interestingly, the adverse effects of MMOs have attracted significant attention compared to their potential benefits. Methods: To address this deficit, employing PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review aimed to summarize empirical evidence regarding a range of interpersonal and intrapersonal MMO well-being outcomes for those older than 13. Results: Three databases identified 18 relevant English language studies, 13 quantitative, 4 qualitative and 1 mixed method published between January 2012 and August 2020. A narrative synthesis methodology was employed, whilst validated tools appraised risk of bias and study quality. Conclusions: A significant positive relationship between playing MMOs and social well-being was concluded, irrespective of one's age and/or their casual or immersed gaming patterns. This finding should be considered in the light of the limited: (a) game platforms investigated; (b) well-being constructs identified; and (c) research quality (i.e., modest). Nonetheless, conclusions are of relevance for game developers and health professionals, who should be cognizant of the significant MMOs-well-being association(s). Future research should focus on broadening the well-being constructs investigated, whilst enhancing the applied methodologies.
ISSN:1664-1078
1664-1078
DOI:10.3389/fpsyg.2021.698799