The research project looked at Runescape players aged 13 to 16 over three years and found that their imaginations were enhanced, rather than decreased.

According to Nic Crowe, a lecturer at Brunel's School of Sport and Education, the massive online worlds also let children mix with more diverse gender, race and ability groups than they would in the real world.

"In the real world, where streets or town centres have become inaccessible to many young people, or are considered risky or unsafe by them or their parents, it is not surprising that virtual public spaces have become increasingly attractive as a leisure setting,” Crowe said.

"Our research explored how Runescape's appeal lay in the provision of an environment in which young people can experiment symbolically with the cultural institutions and structures of the material world.”

Simon Bradford, director of the Centre for Youth Work Studies at Brunel University, said during the research they met many players using online role playing to extend or to compensate for experiences in the real world.

"For example, young people whose parents could not afford a summer holiday enjoyed virtual holidays online, hanging out with friends, visiting beaches and going to clubs at night to meet new people," Bradford said.

Bradford said that at a time when emerging technologies are the subject of suspicion and concern it is important to recognise the benefits an increasingly popular and important activity among young people.

Runescape has more than nine million players worldwide.