“Do We Play by the Same Rules?” Exploring the Involvement of the Magic Circle in Navigating Relationships in Popular Multiplayer Video Games

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Nathan Toshihiro A. Villanueva, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
Thea Juliana A. Jocom, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
Julianne Margaret M. Lao, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
Keisha Althea O. Rodriguez, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
Liezl R. Astudillo, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow

Document Types

Paper Presentation

School Name

De La Salle University, Manila

Track or Strand

Humanities and Social Science (HUMSS)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Astudillo, Liezl R.

Start Date

23-6-2025 1:30 PM

End Date

23-6-2025 3:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

Y501

Abstract/Executive Summary

Much like leveling up in a game, dating has transcended the physical realm into the realm of multiplayer online gaming platforms, where individuals are able to meet and interact with peers for companionship and social-building, able to create a reality for themselves that extends beyond their limited real-world experiences–inevitably blurring the boundaries of the magic circle, the unseen boundary that separates the game world from the physical world. To define the blurring of the boundary of the magic circle, this study analyzed the lived experiences of six (6) individuals who have dated through multiplayer online games through a semi-structured interview with eleven (11) open-ended questions. This study employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, which guided the data analysis approach to explore the way participants interpreted their lived experiences of dating in online multiplayer video games. The results indicate that users’ in-game attitudes do not commonly differ from their real-world counterparts; however, some mannerisms may vary when interacting with in-game and real-world peers. Hence, this study aims to analyze the nuances of what determines individuals’ perceptions of the magic circle and how this influences their interactions and participation.

Keywords

multiplayer; magic circle; lived experiences; online dating; video games

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Family, Relations, and Social Structure (FRS)

Initial Consent for Publication

yes

Statement of Originality

yes