Ragnarok Online Game and the Trend of Children’s Game Addiction in Thailand: History of Online Game, late 1990s to 2000s

Abstract

Previous studies on Ragnarok Online, operated by Asiasoft, have been limited to understanding the behavior of young players, lacking comprehensive knowledge of the gamefeatures itself and the contextual changes that occur within it. This research aims to apply the game studies proposed by Mäyrä (2008) to analyze the game, the players, and the contexts of its previous two to identify the factors that contribute to the success and challenges of Ragnarök Online. The study applies Juul’s (2003) concept of game features to analyze the game and analyze the context of the game and its players through historical narration.

The results show that the game system prompted players to set goals and suitable playing strategies for themselves, which led to a sense of immersion during gameplay. Furthermore, it allowed players to bring the relationships formed in the game to the real world, which prolonged their engagement within the virtual reality of the game. Players were attracted to game characters designed, which were based on Japanese anime, and were familiar with various game systems, including pre-existing online communication technologies. Thus, it was easy for players to embrace Ragnarök Online as a core entertainment during leisure time. Players were often populated with fellow players, chatted, had interests, and knew about online games, which was crucial for social integration, particularly among children. These expanded the community of the players quickly and eventually developed into a subculture among those who share similar gaming language. This fostered acceptance within their peer groups. The widespread use of automated game programs had contributed to a sluggish undercurrent within the gaming community. Furthermore, the fierce competition in the online gaming service industry provided players with a wealth of alternatives. Ragnarök Online had to cease operations in 2016.