Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games (MMORPGs) as Natural Learning Environments: Creative Problem Solving in an Expert Guild in World of Warcraft

• In Event: Poster Session 6
  In Poster Session: Advanced Technologies for Learning SIG Poster Session

Abstract

We present an in-depth investigation of a team of 25 expert gamers in a high-end guild (i.e., a team of experts) engaging in creative problem solving in World of Warcraft (WoW). Using an established framework of Creative Problem Solving (CPS), previously applied in various non-gaming contexts, we investigated how creativity patterns arise while players engage in problem solving during a “raid” (a form of group attack by players against the game’s artificial intelligence). We found that creative problem solving materializes in raids in MMORPGs. It is a highly circular (non-linear process) of problem identification, preparing for action, and planning the approach. We argue that MMORPGs should be further considered as natural learning environments that organically engage players in creative problem solving.

Authors

• Theodoros Sourmelis

• Andri Ioannou, Cyprus University of Technology