AUTHOR=Raith Lisa , Bignill Julie , Stavropoulos Vasileios , Millear Prudence , Allen Andrew , Stallman Helen M. , Mason Jonathan , De Regt Tamara , Wood Andrew , Kannis-Dymand Lee 

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

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=12

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.698799

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2021.698799

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Background:</bold> 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.</p><p><bold>Methods:</bold> 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.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> 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.</p><p><bold>Conclusions:</bold> 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.</p>