title: A study of the drivers influencing players of Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games to make micro-transactional purchases

authors: Millar, Gina

subjects: MOBA

abstract: This research project examines what motivates game players to purchase virtual items within the popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, League of Legends. This MOBA is one of the most commercially successful free-to-play online games in recent years, however, the genre has received little attention in academic literature, and there is hardly any research on the game genre itself. Purchasing motivation for players of this game are obscure, as virtual items in online games typically have a functional, ‘in-game’ value, yet the most popular items within MOBA games do not have traditional functional values. This exploratory research aims to identify the drivers behind micro-transactional activity occuring in MOBA games, based on the attributes of the virtual items available for purchase, as well as examining the core motivators for MOBA game play. 

This study was conducted within the Oceanic region using a mixed methods approach, utilising semi-structured interviews analysed via thematic analysis, with findings from the qualitative research phase informing the design of a quantitative online survey. Notable findings include the absence of traditional immersive motivators for MOBA players, and identification of a unique play motivation known as mood repair. Additionally, the construct of identity for MOBA players is found to be remarkably different to that found in previous studies on other online games such as World of Warcraft, with gender having no impact on players’ selection of a character. A model for further confirmatory research into the drivers behind the micro-transactional activity of MOBA game players is also developed and proposed.

text: A study of the drivers influencing players of Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games to make micro-transactional purchases This research project examines what motivates game players to purchase virtual items within the popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game, League of Legends. This MOBA is one of the most commercially successful free-to-play online games in recent years, however, the genre has received little attention in academic literature, and there is hardly any research on the game genre itself. Purchasing motivation for players of this game are obscure, as virtual items in online games typically have a functional, ‘in-game’ value, yet the most popular items within MOBA games do not have traditional functional values. This exploratory research aims to identify the drivers behind micro-transactional activity occuring in MOBA games, based on the attributes of the virtual items available for purchase, as well as examining the core motivators for MOBA game play. 

This study was conducted within the Oceanic region using a mixed methods approach, utilising semi-structured interviews analysed via thematic analysis, with findings from the qualitative research phase informing the design of a quantitative online survey. Notable findings include the absence of traditional immersive motivators for MOBA players, and identification of a unique play motivation known as mood repair. Additionally, the construct of identity for MOBA players is found to be remarkably different to that found in previous studies on other online games such as World of Warcraft, with gender having no impact on players’ selection of a character. A model for further confirmatory research into the drivers behind the micro-transactional activity of MOBA game players is also developed and proposed.

year: 2017

title: Implementation of the supercapacitor-assisted surge absorber (SCASA) technique in a practical surge protector

authors: Fernando, Jayathu

abstract: Their combination of large continuous energy ratings and very large time constants allows supercapacitors to be used in surge protection circuits. This fact, supported by recent research publications and laboratory tests, has assisted the authors to propose a new surge protection circuit topology known as the supercapacitor-assisted surge absorber (SCASA). This technique utilizes a multi-winding transformer, common surge protector devices such as metal oxide Varistors (MOV) and/or semiconductor types combined with a supercapacitor sub-circuit to absorb part of the surge energy usually expected to dissipate within the MOV or the semiconductor. The paper presents design details and test results for a differential mode surge protector based on the SCASA technique where the test device was subjected to lightning-type surges defined in international standards for Class-A and Class B type protectors. The performance of a prototype based on Class-B waveforms of up to 6.6 kV surges generated from a lightning surge simulator are discussed in the paper. Its performance is compared with two commercially available surge protectors.

text: Implementation of the supercapacitor-assisted surge absorber (SCASA) technique in a practical surge protector Their combination of large continuous energy ratings and very large time constants allows supercapacitors to be used in surge protection circuits. This fact, supported by recent research publications and laboratory tests, has assisted the authors to propose a new surge protection circuit topology known as the supercapacitor-assisted surge absorber (SCASA). This technique utilizes a multi-winding transformer, common surge protector devices such as metal oxide Varistors (MOV) and/or semiconductor types combined with a supercapacitor sub-circuit to absorb part of the surge energy usually expected to dissipate within the MOV or the semiconductor. The paper presents design details and test results for a differential mode surge protector based on the SCASA technique where the test device was subjected to lightning-type surges defined in international standards for Class-A and Class B type protectors. The performance of a prototype based on Class-B waveforms of up to 6.6 kV surges generated from a lightning surge simulator are discussed in the paper. Its performance is compared with two commercially available surge protectors.

year: 2014

title: An evaluation of the Raukawa Health Services Kaumatua Mirimiri Programme

authors: Gregg, Lisa

subjects: Maori

abstract: The Kaumatua Mirimiri Programme was funded as a Service to Improve Access project under a contract which ran from 1st September 2004 to 30th June 2005. Its aim was to provide a “culturally based treatment and recovery programme to restore the health and independence” of people aged 40 years and over (Pinnacle Group Ltd, 2004a, p.1). However, as the service specification in the contract made clear, the programme was not designed be exclusive: it has attracted younger as well as older people, non-Māori as well as Māori, and people seeking help for a wide range of ailments and pain.

text: An evaluation of the Raukawa Health Services Kaumatua Mirimiri Programme The Kaumatua Mirimiri Programme was funded as a Service to Improve Access project under a contract which ran from 1st September 2004 to 30th June 2005. Its aim was to provide a “culturally based treatment and recovery programme to restore the health and independence” of people aged 40 years and over (Pinnacle Group Ltd, 2004a, p.1). However, as the service specification in the contract made clear, the programme was not designed be exclusive: it has attracted younger as well as older people, non-Māori as well as Māori, and people seeking help for a wide range of ailments and pain.

year: 2006-03