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Yet it's not merely the competitive spirit driving them. With the massive numbers in an MMORPG, users can join big guilds, do various activities within the group, maintain relations and meet new people.
"Of course, beating your friends in the game is much more satisfying than beating a stranger," says 28-year-old Li Chaoran, an avid gamer who dabbles in other mobile games like Helix Horizon and Tap Titans. "But I think what is much more satisfying is the fact that me and my friends made use of our friendship to cooperate in a game."
"Today, gaming allows me to improve my friendship with my old friends."
And as much as it's about a connection with other people, it's also about "finding yourself".
"For youths, one of their most important tasks is self-determination -- that is to answer the question of 'who am I'", said Dr. Lei Li, a psychology professor from Renmin University of China. "Video games allow anonymity, create an identity, and put you on equal footing with other players; and these characteristics can help fulfill the self-development that young people seek."
"In contrast, many of those users are facing difficulties and limitations in these areas in real life," said Dr. Lei. "Hence for some people, the allure of the Internet is very large."
The brain wants what the brain wants
The accomplishment and success felt after each quest or battle targets the brain's reward system, releasing dopamine which gives users a sense of happiness and rush.
Over time, it is possible for the brain to release less dopamine with the same amount of activity, and this in turn spurs users to go for more play time for the same hit.
The mechanics of addiction are straightforward, but there is something often overlooked: the teenage brain is still developing.
That means parts of the brain which are responsible for decision making and impulse control are not fully formed, according to neurologist Frances E. Jensen, author of "The Teenage Brain", often making teenagers susceptible to addiction.
Dr. Lei acknowledges the sense of accomplishment felt over the internet might not be able to carry over to real life.
"In addition to young people working hard, their family, school, and society should provide more opportunities for them to help meet their growth needs," said Dr. Lei.
