A Proposed Model of Character Progression Taxonomy in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPG’s)
Abstract
A novel taxonomy for character progression in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPG’s) was developed into three main functions: the identification, classification, and nomenclature of character progression types. A conceptual framework was established assessing two existing character progression types, linear character progression and nonstatistic character progression, using the grounded theory research method approach. The framework was then used as a form of reference in order to develop the classification and nomenclature of character progression types. These results are a foundation to determine whether a novel, hybrid approach to character progression could increase the level of player investment in gameplay based on the taxonomy of character progression types. Ultimately, this taxonomy can serve designers’ critical thinking process, enabling them to better accommodate their specific audience of players, potentially reducing player churn rate.
Subject
TaxonomyNomenclature
Classification, Identification
Game Design
Character Progression
Video Games
Narrative
Massively Multiplayer Online RolePlaying Games
MMORPG’s
Reward
Power
Competition
Wealth, Discovery
Motivation
Virtual Worlds
Play
Citation
House, Daniel Ray (2018). A Proposed Model of Character Progression Taxonomy in Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPG’s). Master's thesis, Texas A & M University. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /173692.