Causes, Magnitude and Implications of Griefing in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games LEIGH SIMON ACHTERBOSCH This thesis is submitted in total fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Information Technology) Faculty of Science and Technology Federation University Australia PO Box 663 University Drive, Mount Helen Ballarat, Victoria 3353 Australia Submitted in April 2015 Abstract Abstract This thesis presents findings from research into the global phenomenon known as griefing that occurs in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs). Griefing, in its simplest terms, refers to the act of one player intentionally disrupting another player’s game experience for personal pleasure and potential gain. For too long it has been unknown how pervasive griefing is, how frequently griefing occurs and, in particular, the impact on players that are subjected to griefing. There has also been limited research regarding what causes a player to perform griefing. This thesis addresses these concerns by answering the research question “What are the causes and implications of griefing in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games, and what magnitude of griefing exists in this genre?” Mixed method research was employed using the “Sequential Explanatory Strategy”, in which a quantitative phase was followed by a qualitative phase to strengthen the findings. The quantitative phase consisted of a survey that attracted 1188 participants of a representative player population. The qualitative phase consisted of interviews with 15 participants to give more personalised data. The data was analysed from the perspectives of different demographics and different associations to griefing. The thesis contributed original findings regarding the causes, magnitude and implications of griefing in MMORPGs. Some of the main findings were: • Factors that motivated a player to cause grief; • how griefers selected their targets based on particular demographics or avatar characteristics; • the pervasiveness, frequency and impact of different types of griefing; • the amount of griefing that can be tolerated; • how players reacted to griefing; • the impact to the well-being of the players after a griefing incident. The thesis concluded with advice to MMORPG developers regarding the most pervasive, frequent and impactful types of griefing, and how game design may increase or decrease the amount and intensity of griefing. ii Statement of Authorship Statement of Authorship Except where explicit reference is made in the text of the thesis, this thesis contains no material published elsewhere or extracted in whole or in part from a thesis by which I have qualified for or been awarded another degree of diploma. No other person’s work has been relied upon or used without due acknowledgement in the main text and references of the thesis. Signed: _________________________ Signed: _________________________ Dated: __________________________ Dated: __________________________ Leigh Achterbosch Dr. Charlynn Miller Candidate Principal Supervisor iii Statement of Ethics Approval Statement of Ethics Approval Principal Researcher: Charlynn Miller Other/Student Peter Vamplew Researcher/s: Leigh Achterbosch School/Section: SITE Project Number: A13-027 Causes, magnitude and implications of griefing in Project Title: massively multiplayer online role-playing games For the period: 03/06/2013 to 01/10/2014 Please quote the Project No. in all correspondence regarding this application. REPORTS TO HREC: An annual report for this project must be submitted to the Ethics Officer on: 3rd June 2014 A final report for this project must be submitted to the Ethics Officer on: 1st November 2014 These report forms can be found at: http://www.ballarat.edu.au/research/research-services/forms/ethics-forms Ms Elanor Mahon Ethics Officer 29 September 2015 Please see attached ‘Conditions of Approval’. iv Statement of Ethics Approval CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL 1. The project must be conducted in accordance with the approved application, including any conditions and amendments that have been approved. You must comply with all of the conditions imposed by the HREC, and any subsequent conditions that the HREC may require. 2. You must report immediately anything which might affect ethical acceptance of your project, including: - Adverse effects on participants; - Significant unforeseen events; - Other matters that might affect continued ethical acceptability of the project. 3. Where approval has been given subject to the submission of copies of documents such as letters of support or approvals from third parties, these must be provided to the Ethics Office before the research may commence at each relevant location. 4. Proposed changes or amendments to the research must be applied for, using a ‘Request for Amendments’ form, and approved by the HREC before these may be implemented. 5. If an extension is required beyond the approved end date of the project, a ‘Request for Extension’ should be submitted, allowing sufficient time for its consideration by the committee. Extensions cannot be granted retrospectively. 6. If changes are to be made to the project’s personnel, a ‘Changes to Personnel’ form should be submitted for approval. 7. An ‘Annual Report’ must be provided by the due date specified each year for the project to have continuing approval. 8. A ‘Final Report’ must be provided at the conclusion of the project. 9. If, for any reason, the project does not proceed or is discontinued, you must advise the committee in writing, using a ‘Final Report’ form. 10. You must advise the HREC immediately, in writing, if any complaint is made about the conduct of the project. 11. You must notify the Ethics Office of any changes in contact details including address, phone number and email address. 12. The HREC may conduct random audits and / or require additional reports concerning the research project. Failure to comply with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007) and with the conditions of approval will result in suspension or withdrawal of approval. v Acknowledgements Acknowledgements I would like to express my sincere thanks to both of my supervisors; Dr. Charlynn Miller and Associate Professor Peter Vamplew, of the Faculty of Health and Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University Australia respectively. They have both given enormous amounts of time and support throughout the process and the Associate Supervisor Peter Vamplew has especially gone above and beyond in recent months as the candidacy drew to a close and the thesis was submitted. I would also like to acknowledge the following individuals for their expertise and advice during my candidacy: Grant Meredith for advice regarding ethics and survey design; Christopher Turville for assistance with a related peer-reviewed paper; and Sally Firmin for advice regarding thematic analysis. These three are exceptional staff from the Faculty of Science and Technology, Federation University Australia. Of course, this study would not have been possible without the hundreds of survey participants, and I would especially like to thank the interviewees for their in-depth responses. I would also like to thank quagzlor (PC in game name) for their assistance. Finally, I would like to acknowledge my wife Breanna, for always supporting and encouraging me on my academic endeavours, especially in the last four years; three which were full-time study, followed by a final year of part-time lecturing and part-time study to completion of this thesis. vi Table of Contents Table of Contents Abstract ....................................................................................................................... ii Statement of Authorship ........................................................................................... iii Statement of Ethics Approval ................................................................................... iv Acknowledgements ................................................................................................... vi Table of Contents ..................................................................................................... vii List of Figures .......................................................................................................... xiii List of Tables ........................................................................................................... xiv Chapter 1: Introduction .............................................................................................. 1 1.1 Background ......................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Research Questions ............................................................................................ 4 1.2.1 Assumptions ................................................................................................. 5 1.2.2 Delimitations ................................................................................................. 5 1.2.3 Limitations .................................................................................................... 6 1.3 Rationale and Aims ............................................................................................. 7 1.4 Significance of the Study ..................................................................................... 7 1.4.1 Significance of the Causes of Griefing .......................................................... 9 1.4.2 Significance