EFFECTS OF ONLINE GAMING (MOBILE LEGENDS) ON THE ACADEMIC

PERFORMANCE AMONG GRADE 6 PUPILS IN NORTH CABADBARAN CENTRAL

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
 Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Introduction

Students nowadays lived in the digital world where technology became trending.

The millennial generation, have the accessibility to the internet with the use of different

mediums such as electronic gadgets and appliances, that make our life tasks more

easier compared to the previous generations. As time passes by the development of

emerging technologies continues, multimedia comes up and different media platforms

were exist such as films, radio, televisions around us, which can be accessed with the

help of computers and many more, that projects visual image containing information.

Multimedia gave a huge contribution in the industry of entertainment, this is where video

game started in which students got hooked. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is a

multiplayer online battle arena game that is developed and published by Montoon

because of its outstanding accessibility. Because this game is easily accessible, anyone

can play it causing students to spend more time to play than to study and socialize. This

can change the psychological mind set of students such as tardiness, lack of focus, and

anger management issues which degrades their academic performance time

management issues are severely affected too. Multiplayer Online Battle Arena started

from the very popular World of Warcraft which is played on computers and become a

great hit to the gamers, more specially, to the students.

Most of the students are playing Mobile Legends to reduce the level of stress or

Anxiety level due to activities in daily living but some of them is getting addicted to the
game and that has a big factor in their studies. Teacher and Parents should train the

students to set limits on playing Mobile Legends and accepts the responsibilities within

the study not within the game.

 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This study entitled “Effects of Online Gaming (Mobile Legends) on the

Academic Performance of Grade 6 in North Cabadbaran Central Elementary School”

aims to answer the following questions:

1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of:

a. Age

b. Sex

c. Economic Status

d. Year started of Online Gaming (Mobile Legends)

e. Average hours spent in playing Mobile Legends in a day

2. What are the effects of online gaming (mobile legends) on the academic

performance among Grade 6 pupils’ in North Cabadbaran Central Elementary

School?

a. behavioural factors

b. social interaction

c. health problems

d. poor academic performance

e. Addiction

3. Is there a significant relationship between the effects of playing mobile legends

on the academic performance of the Grade 6 pupils in North Cabadbaran Central

Elementary School?
 Null Hypothesis

There is no significant relationship between the effects of online gaming (mobile

legends) on the academic performance of the Grade 6 pupils in North Cabadbaran

Central Elementary School.

 Schematic Diagram

Independent Variables Dependent Variables

a. Age

b. Sex

c. Economic Status

d. Year started of playing

Mobile Legends

e. Average hours spent in

playing Mobile Legends

in a day
Pupils Academic
f. behavioural factors
Performance
g. social interaction

h. health problems

i. poor academic

performance

j. Addiction

Figure 1: Schematic Diagram shows the Independent and Dependent Variables.

 Theoretical Framework

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is a Multiplayer online battle arena a Mobile game

developed and publish by Shanghai Moonton technology. The game has become

popular in Southeast Asia and will be. Event at the 2019 Southeast Asia Games. Is

arguably one of the most popular Mobile games currently being played.

Mobile Legends was Indonesias highest ranked Mobile Legends games for both

downloads and gaming in January 2018. In Spain Mobile Legends is grossing well too,

Also dropping out of the top 200 only three time. In the Philippines Mobile Legends is

also the most grossing free online games to download and recognized that the Mobile

Legends is popular among Filipinos and that we are one of the top countries to play the

game, Manila-Philippines is where the most venue are being held of the Mobile

Legends: Bang Bang professional League or MPL that is inviting teams to play like the

teams Aether Main, Bren Esports, EVOS PH, EXECRATION, Cignal Ultra, ArchAngel,

Etc.
 8

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

This study focuses on finding out the the effects of playing mobile legends

on the academic performance of grade 6 pupils in North Cabadbaran Central

Elementary School.

The researchers gather data from 50 pupils who only play Mobile Legends

respectively. The researchers will ask the teachers to identify those pupils who play

Mobile Legends to conduct the survey questionnaire.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Academic - Academic is used to describe things that relate to the work done in schools,

colleges, and universities, especially work which involves studying and reasoning rather than

practical or technical skills.

Accessibility - refers to the quality of being available when needed.

Arena - a level area surrounded by seats for spectators, in which sports, entertainments, and

other public events are held.

Battle - fight or struggle tenaciously to achieve or resist something.

Competition - an event or contest in which people compete.

Cooperation - the process of working together to the same end.

Development - the process in which someone or something grows or changes and becomes

more advanced.

Enhance - intensify, increase, or further improve the quality, value, or extent of.

E-sports - a multiplayer video game played competitively for spectators, typically by

professional gamers.
 1
1
Factors - a circumstance, fact, or influence that contributes to a result or outcome.

Game - a form of play or sport, especially a competitive one played according to rules and

decided by skill, strength, or luck.

Interaction - communication or direct involvement with someone or something.

MOBA - Multiplayer Online Battle Arena.

Mobile - relating to mobile phones, handheld computers, and similar technology.

MVP - most valuable player.

Online - controlled by or connected to another computer or to a network.

RPG - A role-playing game is a game in which each participant assumes the role of a

character, generally in a fantasy or science fiction setting that can interact within the game's

imaginary world.

RTS - Real Time Strategy.

Strategy - a plan of action or policy designed to achieve a major or overall aim.

Teamwork - the combined action of a group of people, especially when effective and efficient.
 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Related Literature

This section contains academic and professional literature related to the study. It 1
also provides a clearer understanding of the literature and studies included in the 3
research to increase the reader's knowledge.

According to PinoyTechSaga (2018), they said that this 2018, MLBB's entrance

into the Philippine basketball scene was marked by exciting collaborations with leading

Filipino basketball players, basketball-themed skins, limited-edition jersey, and a slew of

offline activities. "As a globally-focused game, MLBB has always placed a strong focus

on local popular culture and aims to connect with players at a deeper level. Basketball

being a popular sport within the Philippines, and among MLBB players, entering the

basketball scene was a natural decision for us," shared Cherry Xia, MLBB's Vice

President. "Moreover, basketball and MLBB e-sports share a lot of similarities, both of

which emphasize the spirit of competition and teamwork. Players of all skill levels can

experience the thrill of competition and teamwork.

Migs Lopez (2017) stated that “Mobile Legends: Bang Bang” is a mobile MOBA.

Unlike games such as DOTA 2 or League of Legends (LOL), you will only need a

compatible mobile phone to run the game. The game was developed by Moonton, a

gaming developer located at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with a company life nine months.
 1
Yep, just nine months. To boot, this is only Moonton’s only video game developed and 4

released, available for both android and iOS.

Arjay Aragon (2017), said that we have to admit that many of us loves to have

some fun playing online games in solo play or with our friends. And with a strategy

Multi-player Online Battle Arena kind of a game you’ll sure be hooked up with it for

hours. This category of game was first introduced in a PC and a lot of gamers find it

great to measure one’s skill of a real player when it comes to the gamer’s reaction time,

critical thinking and strategies to win the game. Nevertheless, it’ll measure ones’

sportsmanship which is a true quality of a real gamer.

Positive effects of playing video games.

1. Multitasking abilities

A lot of video games require multitasking abilities. Playing regularly will help your

child to enhance his reflexes and responses. Like for example, racing games will

require you to drive and win the race while doing extra missions. In this case, you

need to multi-task for you to be able to finish the mission given to you.

2. Cooperation and teamwork

This is obvious especially in games like multiplayer online battle arena famously

known as MOBA. The key to winning this game is cooperation and teamwork. Without

these two essentials, it is almost impossible to win. If your child is fond of playing this

kind of games, then there are higher chances that he will learn to cooperate with his
 1
5

teammates even when outside the game. This will apply specifically to his activities at

school or performance in his chosen sport.

3. Boost confidence

Playing video games can actually boost his confidence. He will be more likely to

become competitive. Accomplishing something or achieving victory in the game he is

playing might turn him to be more confident than he used to be before. It will also help

him to strive and work hard to gain more achievements. Seeing your child being

competitive is something you would like right?

4. Eye and hand coordination

Good hand and eye coordination are highly needed in playing video games. A good

example is shooting game. For you to win this kind of game, you need to be very keen

when it comes to chasing opponents and shooting them while you are defending

yourself too. This is possible if you have a good hand and eye coordination. Regular
1
playing can increase your child’s proficiency which is very useful for performing his
6
daily activities.

5. Social skills

This is totally helpful especially to those kids who are having a hard time socializing

with others. Playing online games will slowly help him to learn how to interact with

different kinds of people – even strangers. Yes, approaching people in real life might

be harder than doing it virtually when playing online games but the point is, he will
 eventually learn how to handle talking to other people around him. There are guide to

educational games around that can be used that he can play to help increase his

social skills even more.

6. Promote physical activities

Contrary to the common belief that video games will make your child clumsy, there

are some video games that will require your child to perform physical activities. If your

child is not interested in playing outside, why not introduce him online virtual sports.

These includes basketball, tennis, volleyball, boxing, skateboarding and so on. Using

consoles, your child will experience outdoor activities even when he is alone and
1
inside his room. Later on, if he is already enjoying this kind of sports, then convince
7
him to try it with his friends too.

7. Reduce stress

Studying can be really stressful for your child. Sometimes, stressing him out instead

of letting him enjoy will push him more to hate his studies. Giving him the freedom to

play his games will reduce his stress. This will increase his positive vibes and will

attract good mood. When this happens, it will be easy for you to convince your child to

study and finish his homework

According to techopedia (2018), mobile-online games is a kind of video game

played on Mobile phones, Smart phones, Tablet, and computer. Nowadays, with the

emergence of android phones many game applications are developed for it and some

existing applications are migrated into it. Many games are develop for mobile phones
most specifically for android. With the high technology equipped with these mobile

phones, mobile games become robust and attract many people to buy or have this

phone for them to experience what’s inside it which makes it a trend for the new

generation of mobile phones.

According to the mobile analytics company named App Annie (2018),Chinese

mobile game publishers saw a significant rise of over 40 percent on year-on-year on

overseas revenues from Apple Incorporation iOS App Store and Google Play store

during the first half of this year, hitting $2.6 billion. Gaming app publishers reported 1.5

billion downloads via Google Play and iOS App Store in the first half of 2018, compared

with 1.1 billion in the same period last year, according to App Annie’s data. The report

said China saw a slowdown the first- half domestic mobile game revenues, proving

overseas markets such as Japan, South Korea and Germany, and expansion is a

necessity for Chinese publishers. By the end of June, more than 200 Chinese mobile

games apps had been downloaded more than one million times around the world, each

earning $1 million globally (Shijia, 2018).

The concept that gaming could become an addiction first gained traction in 2013

when the disorder was included in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental

Disorders" (DSM). At the time, the disorder was only listed as a "condition for further study."

"Excessive gaming may lead to avoiding negative moods and neglecting

'normal' relationships, school or work-related duties, and even basic physical needs,"

review author Frank Paulus said in a statement.But Mark Griffiths, a professor of

behavioral addiction at Nottingham Trent University in England concurred that most child

gamers do not suffer from addiction. It is because it's not about the amount of time a child
spends in front of a video game," Griffiths explained. "It's about the content and context in

which that screen time figures into his or her life. “If your kid is not suffering educationally,

and has got a wide network of friends, is doing his chores and engaging in physical

education, then what they're doing with their spare leisure time is not negatively impacting

their life and cannot be called an addiction -- even if the parent thinks it's excessive," he

said.

Contrary to the traditional belief that mobile-online gaming is merely an addictive

source of entertainment and diversion, recent research has proved that mobile-online

gaming has numerous benefits and key among them, is the development of cognitive

skills in both children and adults. Just as physical exercise helps in improving and

strengthening your muscles, cognitive games help to indulge one's brain in constant

stimulation, thus improving the brain's performance.

The following are some of the cognitive benefits of playing mobile-online games

according to Sheila Eugenio: (1) Improves coordination. When an adult or child is

playing a mobile-online game, he or she is not only staring at the computer inactively.

The activities and actions on the screen provide a lot of mental stimulation. For one to

play, he or she will need to coordinate their visual, audial and physical

movement.(2) Improves problem-solving skills. Mobile-online games involve certain

rules. This means that the player has to think carefully before making any move to

ensure that they stay within the required rules of that particular game. (3) Enhances

memory. Playing your favorite mobile-online game may require both visual and audial

memory. The player is required to read or listen to the instructions which might only be

provided at the beginning of the game, thus the need to remember them throughout the
entire game. Mastery of the keys on your keyboard helps you easily move your

characters in the game. This helps improve your memory, whether short- term or long-

term. (4) Improves attention and concentration. Mobile-online games especially action

games, have proven to be able to capture the player's attention for the entire period of

the game. This is brought about by the player's need to achieve certain objectives within

the game, and be able to progress to the next level. (5) It is a great source of learning.

Mobile-online gaming is not only beneficial to adults and teenagers, but to children as

well. Many modern education institutions incorporate mobile-online games as a

teaching methodology. This helps these children improve their academic skills by

providing games that are specifically aimed at enhancing their cognitive and creative

skills.(6) Improves the brain's speed. While gaming, the brain receives multiple

stimulations, both visual and audial.

According to research, individuals who play video games frequently can process

these stimulators faster than others. These stimulators ensure that the brain is

continuously working to interpret them.(7) Enhances multitasking skills. An action

game, for example, may require you to be very observant. It requires you to be able to

move your joystick or keys while looking at the various features on your screen such as

energy levels, oncoming adversaries, ammunitions left, available time among other

factors, all which are vital to winning. This ensures that the player can observe and

react accordingly to all requirements of that particular game.(8) Mobile-online games

improves social skills. Mobile-online gaming enables many players to engage in a

particular game simultaneously. As such, there is constant communication between the

players which in turn results in the development of meaningful as well as casual

relationships among them. This helps players meet new friends while also strengthening

bonds with their old friends.

Likewise, academic performance refers to the ability to study and remember

facts, being able to study effectively and see how facts fit together and form larger

patterns of knowledge, and being able to think for self in relation to facts and being able

to communicate your knowledge verbally or down on paper. There are several factors

affecting student’s academic performance. Some are home, school, teacher, and

student factors. Most of the factors are home related: family size, financial burden, work

at home, parental attitude through education and parenting style. The academic

performance of the learners must therefore be viewed on the four mentioned factors

and may this article provide some ideas for some corrective and tangible measure that

would lead to the understanding of the issue (Garcia, 2012).

A thesis made by Ravichandran (2009) in New Zealand, aimed to gain an overall

understanding of teenagers’ mobile-phone usage (positive purposes and negative

impacts). A mixed methods approach was employed to explore the research problem.

Quantitative data was collected through questionnaires (18 closed and 02 open ended

questions) and qualitative data through interviews (approximately 21 questions). The

results shows that Teenagers’ possessing mobile phones 96.5 % (n=111). The overall

findings from this study reveal that parents (caregivers’ perceptions of teenagers’ mobile

phone usage are not satisfactory. Although a mixed opinion, they lean towards negative

impacts.

According to previous study of Kuss & Fernandez (2016) that aimed to maximize

the interest, game addiction is the ultimate goal rather than intention, which means
attractive products will enable users to play games frequently and even become loyal

user. Since the study confirmed the vital role of perceived visibility in forming addiction,

game developers should realized the vital role of social function of mobile games and

put significant resources into developing and delivering social mobile games.

Another study from Goel, Subramanyan, Kamath (2015), the prevalence of

internet addiction and its association with psychopathology in Indian adolescents.A

cross-sectional study sample comprising of 987 students of various faculties across the

city of Mumbai was conducted after obtaining Institutional Ethics Committee approval

and permission from the concerned college. There has been an excessive use not only

in India but also worldwide in the last decade. There is a growing concern about

whether this is excessive use and if so, whether it amounts to an addiction. The results

indicated those with excessive use internet had high scores on anxiety, depression and

anxiety depression.

The study of Peter (2015) shows a direct relationship exists between social

media usage and the academic performance of students in universities. To achieve this,

the descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study focused on University of

Lagos hence, population consists of all the 24,661 full-time undergraduate students.

The simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 378

students. Research findings showed that a great number of students in University of

Lagos, are addicted to social media. To this end, the researcher recommended that

social media should be used for educational purposes as well; Social Networking Sites

should be expanded and new pages should be created to enhance academic activities

and avoid setbacks in the students’ academic performance; and Students should be
monitored by teachers and parents on how they use these sites This is to create a

balance between social media and academic activities of students to avoid setbacks in

the academic performance of the students.

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

This study focuses on finding out the the effects of playing mobile legends

on the academic performance of grade 6 pupils in North Cabadbaran Central

Elementary School.
 The researchers gather data from 50 pupils who only play Mobile Legends

respectively. The researchers will ask the teachers to identify those pupils who play 1
Mobile Legends to conduct the survey questionnaire. 0

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Academic - Academic is used to describe things that relate to the work done in schools, colleges, and

universities, especially work which involves studying and reasoning rather than practical or technical

skills.

Accessibility - refers to the quality of being available when needed.

Arena - a level area surrounded by seats for spectators, in which sports, entertainments, and other

public events are held.

Battle - fight or struggle tenaciously to achieve or resist something.

Competition - an event or contest in which people compete.

Cooperation - the process of working together to the same end.

Development - the process in which someone or something grows or changes and becomes more

advanced.

Enhance - intensify, increase, or further improve the quality, value, or extent of.

E-sports - a multiplayer video game played competitively for spectators, typically by professional 1
gamers. 1
Factors - a circumstance, fact, or influence that contributes to a result or outcome.

Game - a form of play or sport, especially a competitive one played according to rules and decided by

skill, strength, or luck.

Interaction - communication or direct involvement with someone or something.

MOBA - Multiplayer Online Battle Arena.

Mobile - relating to mobile phones, handheld computers, and similar technology.

MVP - most valuable player.

Online - controlled by or connected to another computer or to a network.

RPG - A role-playing game is a game in which each participant assumes the role of a character,

generally in a fantasy or science fiction setting that can interact within the game's imaginary world.

RTS - Real Time Strategy.

Strategy - a plan of action or policy designed to achieve a major or overall aim.

Teamwork - the combined action of a group of people, especially when effective and efficient.
 Mobile legend is created by China developer is Moonton Technology Co. Ltd and

Shanghai Mulong Network and Technology Co.,ltd. July 11, 2016. Mobile legend Bang

Bang is a game designed which only for phone, this game has two opposing teams to

defend the fort so as not taken over by the opponent. Besides, mobile legend is very

popular and in demand from various circles from teenagers to adults. This game is very

popular in Asian as many as ten million accounts are known to have downloaded this

game on the Google Play Store. The role is there are two group fights to reach and

destroy the enemy’s castle while defending their own castle to defend the castle they

have to control the path they pass through. There are three lines the first is “Upper”,

“Lower” , “Middle”. Those lines connect the road to the castle. Someone who only plays

the game is called player, one of developer online games www.steam.com said if there

are 12.675.696 players who download that online game and the players are dominated

by teenagers and early adults aged 15-25 years. In online games especially is Mobile

legend the player can interact with the other player to communicate and give ideas.

There are features to support their communication which are called chat room. In chat

room, the player can chat with team or enemy.