An Analysis of the Effect of Bots in MMORPGs on Player Enjoyment and Morals
Open Access
Author:
Matveyeva, Yekaterina
Area of Honors:
Information Sciences and Technology
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Sarah J Stager, Thesis Supervisor Edward J Glantz, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
games MMORPG bots human-computer interactions
Abstract:
Bots that automate tasks can be seen in every online community. They are especially prevalent in video games, particularly MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games). In MMORPGs, there are two main categories of bots – malicious ones created by third parties and helpful ones created by game developers. These bots have various positive and negative effects when they come in contact with players. This paper looks at the results of human-computer interactions between players and bots and how player enjoyment and morals change based on the prevalence and intelligence of bots. The research focuses on one game in the MMORPG genre, Final Fantasy XIV, which has ample examples of both third-party bots and developer-created bots with various levels of prevalence and intelligence. Through a literature review followed by coding comments about bots by players on Reddit, an idea can be formed of how the player experience is affected. This paper shows the results of coding Final Fantasy XIV players’ comments about bots in the game and makes conclusions about how player enjoyment and morals are affected by interactions with third-party bots and developer-created bots in the game.
