W8. Abstract: Comparison of adult and adolescent gamers.

Griffiths M.D. et al. (2004) “Online Computer Gaming: A Comparison of Adolescent and Adult Gamers” Journal of Adolescence, Vol. 27 (Issue 1), P.87-96

This study focuses upon adult and adolescent players on the popular online game, Everquest. Through a questionnaire, gaming frequency, their opinion about the game and how they played (alone, with friends, as a male character, as a female character etc.) was assessed. Out of 540 players who took part, it was found that females were more likely to be in the adult than the adolescent demographic, and adolescents were more likely to sacrifice education or work in favour of the game. In addition, adolescents were significantly more likely than adults to cite their favourite aspect of the game to be the violence. Findings also showed addictive behaviour towards the game, possibly because it incorporates co-operative and competitive play, which make it more susceptible to addiction, however, this would benefit from further research.