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Online gaming platforms have become increasingly popular in recent years, attracting millions of players worldwide. While there are concerns about the negative effects of excessive gaming, research has also shown that online gaming platforms can have several positive impacts on players. This article explores the advantages of online gaming platforms, focusing on the positive features of one specific game called “Glory of Kings.”
The Positive Impact of “Glory of Kings” on Chinese College Students
“Glory of Kings” is a highly popular online game among Chinese college students. Previous research has shown that playing this game positively impacts the academic performance and satisfaction of Chinese college students (Chen and Chang, 2020). However, most of the existing studies on the positive aspects of online games are based on foreign cultural contexts. It is culturally significant to study the positive influence of online games on Chinese college students and verify if similar conclusions can be drawn among the Chinese college gamer population.
Moreover, while “Glory of Kings” is widely popular among college students in China, few scholars have evaluated its positive impact on college students. The game’s design and development also have distinctive Chinese cultural characteristics, making it an ideal choice for studying the positive influence of online games. Additionally, qualitative research can enrich existing quantitative studies by exploring new experiences and providing relevant suggestions for higher education and family education.
The Study Design and Sample
A qualitative study design was conducted in September 2021, involving 20 undergraduate students from six universities in China who played “Glory of Kings.” Semi-structured, in-depth, and individual interviews were conducted to gather data on the positive features of the game. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the data and identify common themes.
The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Wenzhou Medical University, and all participants provided informed consent. The interviews were conducted in a respectful manner, and the data was protected and encrypted for confidentiality.
The Positive Features of “Glory of Kings”
The interviews revealed several positive features of “Glory of Kings” that had a beneficial impact on the players. These features include:
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Personal Growth: The game provided a platform for players to improve their problem-solving and quick thinking abilities. By reflecting on their performance in the game, players gained a clearer self-awareness and recognized their strengths and weaknesses.
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Interpersonal Communication: Playing “Glory of Kings” allowed college students to interact with like-minded friends and form teams for cooperative gameplay. The game provided a comfortable communication platform for strangers, enabling them to widen their interpersonal connections.
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Teamwork and Collaboration: The game emphasized teamwork, and players enjoyed working together with their teammates to achieve victory. This experience of collaboration in the game translated into better cooperation skills and the willingness to collaborate in real-life situations.
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Achievement and Recognition: “Glory of Kings” provided a platform for players to achieve success and gain recognition from their peers. This sense of achievement and recognition boosted players’ self-esteem and confidence.
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Emotional Release: The game served as a means for college students to relieve stress and negative emotions. The immersive and competitive nature of the game allowed players to escape from reality and find enjoyment in the virtual world.
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Virtual Self-Image: In the game, players could create virtual identities and explore different aspects of their personality. This freedom to express themselves without real-world constraints allowed players to build a positive self-image and experience personal growth.
Conclusion
Online gaming platforms, such as “Glory of Kings,” have several advantages for college students. The game’s positive features, including personal growth, interpersonal communication, teamwork, achievement, emotional release, and virtual self-image, contribute to the overall positive impact on players. Understanding these advantages can help educators and parents recognize the potential benefits of online gaming platforms and develop strategies to harness these benefits for educational and personal development purposes.
Overall, online gaming platforms can provide a unique and valuable experience for college students, offering opportunities for personal growth, social interaction, and skill development. However, it is important to strike a balance between gaming and other aspects of life to ensure a healthy and well-rounded lifestyle.
