Interactions in mobile videogames, case Mobile Legends: Bang Bang

Abstract

This study examines the video game Mobile Legends: Bang Bang as a case study to understand the interactions in the virtual communities of the online Multiplayer Online Battle Arena games, better known as MOBA. In these environments, innovative social relationships are established, largely mediated by electronic devices and virtual platforms. The research methodology adopted was qualitative and the technique of virtual ethnography was used to approach the players.  The examination focused on sociocultural interactions from an experiential perspective. For this, non-random interviews were conducted with the participants of the public chat room in order to obtain their opinions. Some of the results obtained highlight the importance of the economic factor in the virtual spaces of the video game, as a dynamic of power relations, which are capable of granting a privileged virtual social position to the heroes. In this way, the conclusion is reached that the video game, due to its public chats, is not a safe or neutral space for all players. The information shared in the information exchange channels can be enriching, but also risky, since it deals with topics for adults. In addition, it is argued that the game goes beyond virtuality and can influence the construction of the players' subjectivities in the process of formation.