Behind the Avatar

The Patterns, Practices, and Functions of Role Playing in MMOs

Datos Bibliográficos

ID2409445
AutoresDmitri Williams (0000-0001-7995-4429, University of Southern California, autor de correspondencia), Tracy Kennedy (0000-0002-6110-5346, Brock University), Tracy L M Kennedy, Robert J Moore (0000-0002-0776-5861, Yahoo (United States))
Año2011
Volumen6
Número2
Páginas171-200
Fecha de publicación2011-03-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaGames and Culture (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1555-4120 • E-ISSN: 1555-4139
EditorialSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1555412010364983
OpenAlexW2131973091
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas28
Referencias citadas36

A two-part quantitative and qualitative study of role players within a virtual game world examined their prevalence, practices, and identity formation. Drawing on unobtrusive behavioral data captured by the game, combined with a large survey and traditional ethnographic methods, the study found that role players both negotiate identity and use their time online as a moratorium for their offline lives. Descriptive results showed that role players are a relatively small, but psychologically burdened subgroup. When examined from the theoretical perspectives of Goffman's Self-Presentation theory, Huizenga's Magic Circle, and Turkle's early work on online identity formation, these players were seen as largely using virtual spaces as creative outlets and for socialization. The worlds also functioned as coping mechanisms for players frequently unable to gain acceptance, social connectivity or social support offline due to their personal situation, psychological profile, or their minority status

Aesthetics · Avatar · Ethnography · Identity (music · Metaverse · Negotiation · Online and offline · Social group · Social identity theory · Social worlds · Socialization · Sociology · Virtual reality · Computer Science · Digital Games and Media · Impact of Technology on Adolescents · Media Influence and Health · Psychology · Social Psychology