The Impact of Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games on Language Development and Motivation: Perceptions from EFL Learners and Teachers

The digital age has ushered in innovative avenues for language learning. In this line, the present study explores the motivational factors influencing EFL learners engagement with Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs). Drawing on Self-Determination Theory (SDT), the research investigates how social interaction, exploration, and escapism within MMORPGs contribute to motivation for EFL learning. The study involved 200 international World of Warcraft players, termed as frequent gamers, and five language teachers with two to three years of teaching and MMORPG experience. Quantitative data on player preferences was collected through a questionnaire and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling. Moreover, qualitative data was gathered through semi-structured interviews. The findings pointed to participants’ sense of competency in group leadership, their feeling of power and satisfaction derived from in-game achievements, and increased personal and social understanding. The research suggests that MMORPGs, when utilized effectively, can be a valuable supplementary tool for EFL learning, fostering real-life social interaction and increasing learner engagement. These findings offer valuable insights for educators, curriculum developers, and game designers seeking to leverage MMORPGs for language learning.