This study investigates the relationship between player’s gaming
orientation (dimensions of achievement, immersion and social
orientation) and avatar’s capital (social, economic, cultural and
symbolic). The data was gathered through an online survey (n=905) amidst
players of a MMORPG, Final Fantasy XIV. The results show that avatar’s
cultural capital is predicted by immersion orientation (customization,
discovery, and role-playing), achievement orientation (mechanics) and
social orientation (relationship and socializing). Economic capital is
predicted by achievement orientation (advancement, competition, and
mechanics) and social orientation (relationship and teamwork). Social
capital was predicted by social orientation (relationship, socializing
and teamwork) and immersion-orientation (escapism and customization).
Symbolic capital was predicted by achievement orientation (advancement,
competition, mechanics) and social orientation (relationship and
teamwork).