Kordyaka, BastianStelter, AidaLaato, SamuliNiehaves, Bjoern2022-12-272022-12-272023-01-03978-0-9981331-6-4https://hdl.handle.net/10125/103310Within the context of multiplayer online battle arena video games (MOBAs) toxic behavior (TB) remains a complex and yet unsolved socio-technological challenge. While significant work has been done recently, there is a lack of theory-guided approaches for curbing TB. In this work, we test the motivational theory of basic desires for explaining the occurrence of TB. For this, we used a survey approach and collected a sample consisting of players of the successful MOBAs League of Legends and Dota 2 (n = 308). Using a PCA, results indicate two underlying factors of the 16 basic desires (i.e., physiological and social factors). Consequently, both factors hold the potential to explain TB. In addition, the predisposition age showed a significant influence on TB in our sample. These findings highlight the 16 basic desires as a promising frame for understanding the antecedents of TB.9engAttribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 InternationalDark Sides of Information Technology Usemultiplayer online gamestheory of basic desires.toxic behaviortext10.24251/HICSS.2023.676