Theme

Humanities, Arts and Education

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

Title in Filipino [Pamagat ng Pananaliksik]

“Do We Play by the Same Rules?”: Pagsusuri sa Papel ng Magic Circle sa Pagbuo ng mga Relasyon sa mga Popular na Multiplayer Video Game

Authors

• Nathan Toshihiro A. Villanueva, De La Salle UniversityFollow
• Julianne Margaret M. Lao, De La Salle UniversityFollow
• Thea Juliana Alvarez Jocom, De La Salle UniversityFollow
• Liezl R. Astudillo, De La Salle UniversityFollow

Research Advisor

Liezl Rillera-Astudillo

Abstract

Just like leveling up in a game, dating has transcended the physical world into the realm of multiplayer games where individuals are able to communicate and interact with one another within the virtual third space, the magic circle–the boundary that separates life from play. Within these immersive environments, players create shared experiences that often extend beyond the screen, blurring the line between in-game interactions and real-life emotions. This blurring can lead to emotional spillovers and identity challenges as players navigate the complexities of digital intimacy in world and relationship formation. To define the fluidity of the magic circle, the study conducted qualitative research into the lived experiences of six (6) Filipino individuals aged 18-23 who have dated through popular multiplayer games, such as Minecraft, Call of Duty: Mobile, and Roblox. Using semi-structured interviews with eleven (11) open-ended questions, the data were then analyzed through Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to capture the personal and interpretative meanings behind each participant’s experience. Findings revealed that multiplayer games served as safe spaces and emotional anchors, allowing users to express themselves and build trust through features such as voice chat, avatars, and cooperative gameplay. These tools fostered familiarity and emotional depth, enabling the formation of meaningful relationships within digital worlds.

Abstract in Filipino [Abstrak]

Katulad ng pag-level up sa isang game, hindi na lamang nakapaloob sa pisikal na mundo ang pakikipagrelasyon; umaabot na rin ito sa larangan ng multiplayer game. Sa loob ng isang birtuwal na espasyo na magic circle, nagkakaroon ng ugnayan ang mga indibidwal dito. Sa ganitong espasyo, nakabubuo ang mga player ng kolektibong karanasan na hindi na lamang limitado sa mismong game, at nabubura ang hangganan sa pagitan ng interaksiyon sa game at ng damdamin sa totoong buhay. Dahil dito, maaaring magkaroon ng masidhing emosyon at humarap ang mga player sa mga hamon sa identidad sa loob ng digital na ugnayan. Upang mas maunawaan ang konsepto ng fluidity ng magic circle, nagsagawa ng kwalitatibong pananaliksik hinggil sa karanasan ng anim na Pilipinong nasa edad 18 hanggang 23 na nakipagrelasyon sa pamamagitan ng mga multiplayer game tulad ng Minecraft, Call of Duty: Mobile, at Roblox. Gamit ang semi-structured na panayam na may labing-isang open-ended na mga tanong, sinuri ang datos sa pamamagitan ng Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) upang matukoy ang personal at interpretatibong kahulugan ng karanasan ng bawat kalahok. Natuklasan sa pag-aaral na nagsisilbing ligtas na espasyo at emosyonal na sandigan ang mga multiplayer game, na nagbibigay-daan sa mga player na maipahayag ang kanilang sarili at makabuo ng tiwala sa pamamagitan ng mga feature tulad ng voice chat, avatar, at cooperative gameplay. Sa pamamagitan nito, nabubuo ang pamilyaridad at lalim ng emosyonal na ugnayan, na nagiging daan sa pagbuo ng makabuluhang relasyon sa loob ng digital na mundo.

Recommended Citation

Villanueva, N. T. A., Lao, J. M. M., Jocom, T. J. A., & Astudillo, L. R. (2025). “Do we play by the same rules?”: Exploring the involvement of the magic circle in navigating relationships in popular multiplayer video games. Sinaya, (4)3, 95–117. https://doi.org/10.59588/3027-9283.1250