Summary

Network playing carries the risks of addiction related to excessive time and money investment and the virtualization of relationships, although it may facilitate communication linked to online entertainment. Interviews with CityVille players (N=105) show the relationship between time and money invested with levels achieved and accomplishments. Men spend more money and time in games than women and prioritize competition, while the latter stress collaboration. Both genders perceive having developed interpersonal skills, but women emphasize the communicative ones. Addicted subjects spend more than 5 hours a day and invest 23 USD per month in this game, and play 5 to 7 other online games.