1) Over the past 10 years, how many MMORPGs have you played?
e) Five or more
2) How many hours do you spend online gaming per week?
d) 10-12 hours
3) In an MMORPG, do you interact with individuals you know outside the game? (i.e. in real life)
a) Yes
4) What is most important in keeping your interest in an MMORPG? Select all that apply. If you choose Other, please specify.
c) Environment/World
d) Fun Factor
f) Community
5) Do you believe it is possible for MMORPGs to be addictive?
a) Yes, psychologically
6) If you answered yes to question 5, have you or anyone you known been addicted to an MMORPG?
a) Yes, friend
7) How important is communication with others in an MMORPG?
b) Important
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.
No different. My current room mate, I play MMO's and other multiplayer games with. We started off playing an MMO with each other.
Got a few other friends who I talk to on a daily basis, and don't necessarily play games with.
Also, a good friend I've known for 10 years now I met via online gaming.
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.
No difference, really. It's like going to the same bar every night, you'll run into other similar bar goers, and make friends that way.
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)
Have used all in the past.
11) Do you view MMORPGs as a potential mode of story-telling, an alternative to book, film, or television? Why or why not?
Yes, and no. Some MMORPG's are just good at being fun but lacking story, while others are fun -because- of the story. MMORPG's, and video games in general are alternative modes to book, film, and TV. To say they are not is pure folly.
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
I like them all. I'm an open minded individual.
13) Do you role-play in game?
a) Yes
14) Does your in-game avatar represent you in real life, either in physical appearance, personality, conversation, or other actions? Why or why not?
No. I have never made a character that was a depiction of me, because I'm me all other times of the day, why would I want to role play as myself?
15) Do you play MMORPGs to avoid/cope with problems in real life (i.e. school procrastination, illness, marital problems, etc)?
To an extent, I play video games to relieve stress. MMORPG's in general provide stress relief in the game portion, and socialization with the social networking MMORPG's tend to provide.
So, c) Sometimes
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, just like most other recreational activities, it provides momentary release of stress. Otherwise, it's not recreational.
17) What do you believe is the future of MMORPGs? Please elaborate.
Ever see the movie Surrogates? That.