In an interesting study, researchers explored human behavior in an apocalyptic scenario using an unconventional method: a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG).
During a closed beta test of the popular game ArcheAge, the researchers aimed to understand how players would respond when faced with the possibility of losing all their progress and characters permanently.
The findings turned out to be captivating and surprising, offering valuable insights into how people behave when confronted with the prospect of an end-of-the-world event.
The Video Game Study
During the 11-week beta test of ArcheAge, IFLScience reports that players had the freedom to explore its vast open world. They could take on quests, level up their characters, and gather equipment.
However, there was a catch: all their progress would be erased once the beta test was over. This created a unique situation where the usual consequences of in-game actions didn't apply.
Researchers, consisting of experts in psychology and gaming, wanted to see how players would react to this end-of-the-world scenario and how it would affect their behavior.
Interesting Findings
During the beta test, the research team analyzed a huge amount of data, around 270 million records of player behavior. They looked at different things like quest completion rates, leveling-up data, and social interactions. The main goal was to understand what players did as the virtual world was about to be deleted.
Surprisingly, most players remained peaceful during the end times. They kept playing as usual and didn't change much in response to the impending apocalypse. But a few outliers became more anti-social, going on player-killing sprees. They seemed to not care about the consequences of their actions.
One interesting finding was about players' motivation. Despite the popular saying, "Even if I knew the world would go to pieces tomorrow, I would still plant my apple tree," players in the beta test stopped trying to progress their characters as the world's end approached.
They completed fewer quests, leveled up less, and did not focus on improving their character abilities. The idea of losing their progress seemed to demotivate them from working on their in-game selves.
The research also showed a clear difference between players who stayed until the end of the beta test and those who left earlier, called "churners." The ones who stayed had a stronger attachment and loyalty to the game, making the game environment more peaceful.
On the other hand, the churners displayed more anti-social behavior, disconnecting from their responsibilities and connections in the game.
Which Groups Are 'Happier'
As the study continued, it found interesting pro-social behavior patterns emerging toward the beta test's end. The chat channels in social groups became "happier," showing that existing social relationships were getting stronger. Also, players who stayed until the end formed temporary groups more frequently, suggesting they made new social connections.
The researchers acknowledged that studying a video game might not perfectly reflect real-world situations. Still, the MMORPG setting allowed them to simulate the end times and gain valuable insights into how people might respond during an apocalyptic event.
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