Gameplay practices in digital multiplayer games: A comparative analysis of MOBA and MMORPG games

As an age-old phenomenon, games are the same age as cultural history. However, digital games are a concept that came alive in the latter half of 20th century. As with the rapid development of computers and internet technologies, games of tremendous narrative elements have emerged. Two types of the multiplayer online games MMORPG and MOBA are studied in this thesis. Data from semi-structured depth interviews of MMORPG and MOBA gamers are included in this particular study. Fundamental concepts of traditional and digital gaming, basic features of digital gaming and narrative elements in digital games are brought up in thesis. Furthermore, Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game - MMORPG, Multiplayer Online Battle Arena - MOBA, video game battle modes, taxonomy of player types, League of Legends and World of Warcraft concepts are covered in the study. Final part of the study which includes research components of said study tries to unearth in-game characteristic features with game play motivations of MMORPG and MOBA players. As we draw closer to the final parts of thesis, it is evident that MMORPG and MOBA players have meaningful difference in their motivation of playing video games. Study also comprises an analysis of video game addiction. Thirdly, MMORPG and MOBA players are compared to each other in accordance with Bartle's taxonomy of players. As a result of the study, two Online Multiplayer Games with significant similarities are divided by the motivation components and player typology. Key Word: Game, Digital Game, Game Culture, Multiplayer Game