Hah, I feel like my answers are going to make me look like the creepy nerd who lives in their parents' basement.
1) Over the past 10 years, how many MMORPGs have you played?
a) One
b) Two
c) Three
d) Four
e) Five or more
2) How many hours do you spend online gaming per week?
a) 1-3 hours
b) 4-6 hours
c) 7-9 hours
d) 10-12 hours < Lately
e) 13+ hours < Usually
3) In an MMORPG, do you interact with individuals you know outside the game? (i.e. in real life)
a) Yes
b) No
4) What is most important in keeping your interest in an MMORPG? Select all that apply. If you choose Other, please specify.
a) Story
b) Graphics
c) Environment/World
d) Fun Factor
e) Continual Game Evolution (content patches, updates, expansions, etc)
f) Community
g) Other ____________________________________________
5) Do you believe it is possible for MMORPGs to be addictive?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Not sure
6) If you answered yes to question 5, have you or anyone you known been addicted to an MMORPG?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Not sure
7) How important is communication with others in an MMORPG?
a) Very important
b) Important
c) Unimportant
d) Very Unimportant
e) Not sure
8) Do you feel you have made valuable relationships in any MMORPGs? How would you characterize these relationships in contrast to those in real-life? Are there any differences? Similarities? Please elaborate.
Growing up, most of my real-life relationships were not that pleasant. As a child I was bullied a lot and I could never really relate to people in a real-life sort of setting because of that. I'm an introverted person, so going out and being social is just not something I particularly enjoy. I have a strong passion for video games, as it provides me with a lot of intellectual stimulus, such as solving problems, story-telling, and calculating complex math problems.
Along with that, MMORPGs have the unique opportunity to allow me to connect and communicate with people who share a similar interest of gaming with me. With most MMOs, as you progress, you rely more and more heavily on the other players around you to progress within the game. It makes you feel valuable as a person, and it also forces you to rely on others-- something I don't often experience in real-life.
I've made a majority of my close friends over the internet, simply because it's easier for me to be social online. I have few friends from High School that I have kept in contact with, because most have moved away to different states or countries to study or to search for their careers, so maintaining a real-life social relationship is rather difficult at times. The internet provides an easy way to connect to people, even if it's thousands of miles away in other countries.
To compare the friends I have made over the years online to the people I have met in real life, I would categorize them as the same. I share with them and converse with them equally, because, even though they are miles and miles away, they are still a real person to interact with. And with MMOs, it offers me a place to have experiences with them in a "world" type setting, though I do not replace an MMO world with the real world.
In essence..they are the same, in that I consider them a valuable friend to me, one whom I can rely and relate to, but it is different, usually because of time differences, and lack of physical contact.
9) Do MMORPGs offer modes of communication or support you are unable to find in your geographic location, life situation, or circumstances right now? Please elaborate.
Certainly-- It would be highly unlikely for me to run into an Australian on a day-to-day basis living in the US. As support goes.. to some extent, I would say that MMOs give me support in ways I am unable to find in the real world, yes. Because I relate easier to people with my similar interests, I find it much easier to talk to and confide in people I have met online or in MMOs. That's not to say I am incapable or unwilling to do the same in real-life, the opportunity is just not as easy to find as it is online. Additionally, with my current heart problems, I am struggling with activity as it is. This allows me to have a social life without physically straining myself or putting me in any trouble.
10) What methods do you use to communicate with others in MMORPGs? Please select all that apply. If you select Other, please specify.
a) Friend List
b) Chat Channel
c) Voice Communication
d) Guild/Linkshell/Corporation/Clan
e) Forum
f) RL Interaction (i.e. physical get togethers, internet cafes, etc)
g) Other _________________________________________
11) Do you view MMORPGs as a potential mode of story-telling, an alternative to book, film, or television? Why or why not?
It's difficult to compare an MMORPG to a book, film or television, because they are so massively different. With books, films and television, it is limited to you and your experience you get out of that story. In an MMO setting, you progress through the game with others, experiencing the world together, and in role-playing communities, you write your own stories through interactions with characters that you have created yourselves. It's most definitely a mode of story-telling, though I would not consider them alternatives to the three.
12) What environments do you enjoy experiencing in MMORPGs? Why do you enjoy those particular kinds?
a) Fantasy worlds
b) Science fiction worlds
c) Contemporary realistic worlds
d) Historical worlds
e) Frightening/ horrific worlds
f) Other _______________________________
Fantasy is sort of a staple, and although it is a genre, there are large variances within "Fantasy". I enjoy visiting worlds that I would be otherwise unable to my real-life, because I find it boring to play situations or environments that are too similar to my real-life, and it is also easy to find inconsistencies or a sort of, "that's not convincing enough for me to be immersed" type of a feel from games that are too closely related to real-life. In a game like FFXIV, everything is made up, and you can accept things without question, because it is a whole other universe with possibilities unlike Earth's. I do, however, enjoy it when things can be analytically explained within the storyline or lore. I enjoy reading up and fully understanding the "world", and everything in it, including history, religion, philosophy, war, and politics.
13) Do you role-play in game?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Sometimes
14) Does your in-game avatar represent you in real life, either in physical appearance, personality, conversation, or other actions? Why or why not?
Typically, my characters do not have any likeness to me. Some may be similar, but I never put my personality into a character-- instead, I tend to draw from one particular area of my personality, and expand on that, creating a whole person. For example, the character I have now is timid, quiet, and otherwise shy around social gatherings, similar to how I am, though not to the extent that the character portrays. She's an intelligent person, though she is sometimes incapable of seeing when people are using her, whereas I am much more observant.
Other characters of mine can be impatient, or rude, or otherwise unpleasant, and I draw those from my experiences of ever feeling frustration, or pride, or other emotions. I simply inflate those feelings, bringing out those past experiences to create a person to act as- or sometimes I remember someone from my life who behaved a certain way, and draw from how I remember them acting to create a more real character.
15) Do you play MMORPGs to avoid/cope with problems in real life (i.e. school procrastination, illness, marital problems, etc)?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Sometimes
d) Not sure
Video Games are definitely a stress-reliever for me. It's similar to watching a movie or reading a book, except this offers a bit more stimulus as far as thinking and problem solving goes.
16) Do you believe that MMORPGs can serve an escapist function, that is, a coping mechanism for real life stress, boredom, etc? Why or why not?
Yes, games in general especially MMORPGs allow you to "escape" from things such as stress and boredom. I hate to use this comparison, but it's similar to alcohol or drugs-- people abuse them to get away from problems and issues in their lives, but it never solves their problems, and most of the time it only creates more issues. People who rely on the game to make their lives better, or otherwise fix their problems in lives, be it in relationships, school, or work, need to understand that it is not the purpose of the game to make your life better. It's simply a hobby, something to enjoy, and it should not be allowed to take over your life in such a way that you neglect yourself, friends, or family, as is often reminded to the players in every MMORPG.
I think people easily get consumed into video game worlds because of the enjoyment they get out of it. It makes them feel happy, or excited, or other good-feelings, and it's easy to forget about life, especially when life is getting you down. However, the real-world offers many opportunities to share and enjoy the same feelings you get from a video game. I love video games, but nothing could replace the love I have for my family, my pets and my artwork.
17) What do you believe is the future of MMORPGs? Please elaborate.
FFXIV is, to me, a vast leap forward in the world of MMORPGs. Likely in the future I'm sure we will see improved graphics, more voice acting, perhaps even a world that is virtual-reality. I would like to see more expansion as far as interactivity in the world goes (every object interactive, more emotional expression via your character, more choices as far as race, appearance and customization ect.) It's hard to say where MMORPGs will go, there has been a massive increase in the number of free to play MMOs in the past 10 years, and I expect no different in the future.
1) Over the past 10 years, how many MMORPGs have you played?
a) One
b) Two
c) Three
d) Four
e) Five or more
2) How many hours do you spend online gaming per week?
a) 1-3 hours
b) 4-6 hours
c) 7-9 hours
d) 10-12 hours < Lately
e) 13+ hours < Usually
3) In an MMORPG, do you interact with individuals you know outside the game? (i.e. in real life)
a) Yes
b) No
4) What is most important in keeping your interest in an MMORPG? Select all that apply. If you choose Other, please specify.
a) Story
b) Graphics
c) Environment/World
d) Fun Factor
e) Continual Game Evolution (content patches, updates, expansions, etc)
f) Community
g) Other ____________________________________________
5) Do you believe it is possible for MMORPGs to be addictive?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Not sure
6) If you answered yes to question 5, have you or anyone you known been addicted to an MMORPG?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Not sure
7) How important is communication with others in an MMORPG?
a) Very important
b) Important
c) Unimportant
d) Very Unimportant
e) Not sure
8) Do you feel you have made valuable relationships in any MMORPGs? How would you characterize these relationships in contrast to those in real-life? Are there any differences? Similarities? Please elaborate.
Growing up, most of my real-life relationships were not that pleasant. As a child I was bullied a lot and I could never really relate to people in a real-life sort of setting because of that. I'm an introverted person, so going out and being social is just not something I particularly enjoy. I have a strong passion for video games, as it provides me with a lot of intellectual stimulus, such as solving problems, story-telling, and calculating complex math problems.
Along with that, MMORPGs have the unique opportunity to allow me to connect and communicate with people who share a similar interest of gaming with me. With most MMOs, as you progress, you rely more and more heavily on the other players around you to progress within the game. It makes you feel valuable as a person, and it also forces you to rely on others-- something I don't often experience in real-life.
I've made a majority of my close friends over the internet, simply because it's easier for me to be social online. I have few friends from High School that I have kept in contact with, because most have moved away to different states or countries to study or to search for their careers, so maintaining a real-life social relationship is rather difficult at times. The internet provides an easy way to connect to people, even if it's thousands of miles away in other countries.
To compare the friends I have made over the years online to the people I have met in real life, I would categorize them as the same. I share with them and converse with them equally, because, even though they are miles and miles away, they are still a real person to interact with. And with MMOs, it offers me a place to have experiences with them in a "world" type setting, though I do not replace an MMO world with the real world.
In essence..they are the same, in that I consider them a valuable friend to me, one whom I can rely and relate to, but it is different, usually because of time differences, and lack of physical contact.
9) Do MMORPGs offer modes of communication or support you are unable to find in your geographic location, life situation, or circumstances right now? Please elaborate.
Certainly-- It would be highly unlikely for me to run into an Australian on a day-to-day basis living in the US. As support goes.. to some extent, I would say that MMOs give me support in ways I am unable to find in the real world, yes. Because I relate easier to people with my similar interests, I find it much easier to talk to and confide in people I have met online or in MMOs. That's not to say I am incapable or unwilling to do the same in real-life, the opportunity is just not as easy to find as it is online. Additionally, with my current heart problems, I am struggling with activity as it is. This allows me to have a social life without physically straining myself or putting me in any trouble.
10) What methods do you use to communicate with others in MMORPGs? Please select all that apply. If you select Other, please specify.
a) Friend List
b) Chat Channel
c) Voice Communication
d) Guild/Linkshell/Corporation/Clan
e) Forum
f) RL Interaction (i.e. physical get togethers, internet cafes, etc)
g) Other _________________________________________
11) Do you view MMORPGs as a potential mode of story-telling, an alternative to book, film, or television? Why or why not?
It's difficult to compare an MMORPG to a book, film or television, because they are so massively different. With books, films and television, it is limited to you and your experience you get out of that story. In an MMO setting, you progress through the game with others, experiencing the world together, and in role-playing communities, you write your own stories through interactions with characters that you have created yourselves. It's most definitely a mode of story-telling, though I would not consider them alternatives to the three.
12) What environments do you enjoy experiencing in MMORPGs? Why do you enjoy those particular kinds?
a) Fantasy worlds
b) Science fiction worlds
c) Contemporary realistic worlds
d) Historical worlds
e) Frightening/ horrific worlds
f) Other _______________________________
Fantasy is sort of a staple, and although it is a genre, there are large variances within "Fantasy". I enjoy visiting worlds that I would be otherwise unable to my real-life, because I find it boring to play situations or environments that are too similar to my real-life, and it is also easy to find inconsistencies or a sort of, "that's not convincing enough for me to be immersed" type of a feel from games that are too closely related to real-life. In a game like FFXIV, everything is made up, and you can accept things without question, because it is a whole other universe with possibilities unlike Earth's. I do, however, enjoy it when things can be analytically explained within the storyline or lore. I enjoy reading up and fully understanding the "world", and everything in it, including history, religion, philosophy, war, and politics.
13) Do you role-play in game?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Sometimes
14) Does your in-game avatar represent you in real life, either in physical appearance, personality, conversation, or other actions? Why or why not?
Typically, my characters do not have any likeness to me. Some may be similar, but I never put my personality into a character-- instead, I tend to draw from one particular area of my personality, and expand on that, creating a whole person. For example, the character I have now is timid, quiet, and otherwise shy around social gatherings, similar to how I am, though not to the extent that the character portrays. She's an intelligent person, though she is sometimes incapable of seeing when people are using her, whereas I am much more observant.
Other characters of mine can be impatient, or rude, or otherwise unpleasant, and I draw those from my experiences of ever feeling frustration, or pride, or other emotions. I simply inflate those feelings, bringing out those past experiences to create a person to act as- or sometimes I remember someone from my life who behaved a certain way, and draw from how I remember them acting to create a more real character.
15) Do you play MMORPGs to avoid/cope with problems in real life (i.e. school procrastination, illness, marital problems, etc)?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Sometimes
d) Not sure
Video Games are definitely a stress-reliever for me. It's similar to watching a movie or reading a book, except this offers a bit more stimulus as far as thinking and problem solving goes.
16) Do you believe that MMORPGs can serve an escapist function, that is, a coping mechanism for real life stress, boredom, etc? Why or why not?
Yes, games in general especially MMORPGs allow you to "escape" from things such as stress and boredom. I hate to use this comparison, but it's similar to alcohol or drugs-- people abuse them to get away from problems and issues in their lives, but it never solves their problems, and most of the time it only creates more issues. People who rely on the game to make their lives better, or otherwise fix their problems in lives, be it in relationships, school, or work, need to understand that it is not the purpose of the game to make your life better. It's simply a hobby, something to enjoy, and it should not be allowed to take over your life in such a way that you neglect yourself, friends, or family, as is often reminded to the players in every MMORPG.
I think people easily get consumed into video game worlds because of the enjoyment they get out of it. It makes them feel happy, or excited, or other good-feelings, and it's easy to forget about life, especially when life is getting you down. However, the real-world offers many opportunities to share and enjoy the same feelings you get from a video game. I love video games, but nothing could replace the love I have for my family, my pets and my artwork.
17) What do you believe is the future of MMORPGs? Please elaborate.
FFXIV is, to me, a vast leap forward in the world of MMORPGs. Likely in the future I'm sure we will see improved graphics, more voice acting, perhaps even a world that is virtual-reality. I would like to see more expansion as far as interactivity in the world goes (every object interactive, more emotional expression via your character, more choices as far as race, appearance and customization ect.) It's hard to say where MMORPGs will go, there has been a massive increase in the number of free to play MMOs in the past 10 years, and I expect no different in the future.