I’ve spent way too much time reading about the subject, cause it has nothing to do with my thesis….but I came across an article in The Economist (actually The Ludologist guided me to it). It’s refreshing to see such ‘serious’ media giving the debate on violence and sex in video games coverage. Yet another interesting read…but if you don’t want to read it, this graph, basically speaks for itself!

The San Francisco Chronicle has an interesting article, ‘Economists to explore world of online Games. With a lot of old news, virtual property for real money and blah blah blah….and Castronova is mentioned (OF COURSE!!) Now…I have to admit that I was a bit perplexed when I read Castronova saying that he wanted to alter a few things in Second Life to see how people would react to certain things. The article also mentions Alvin Roth who seems supportive of such an experiment because “… players come to online games willingly and because the underlying economics could be changed in invisible ways and therefore less likely to alter behavior”. And I instantly felt offended! I didn’t like that professors were going to be studying my reactions by varying the world. I may be overreacting, and to be honest….I think it sounds like a great experiment…but my emotions as a MMORPG player, got the better of me.

But then I thought about it….I think maybe the journalist misunderstood a bit. And then I thought again, and understood that I have clearly crossed the border somewhere along the way. It isn’t ‘just’ a game anymore….it’s a part of me!!

Ofcourse….what I find so compelling, is that Second Life seems to only consist of academics studying the game (I have no numbers to back it up…and of course I’m exagerating), so there they are roaming around in their world studying each other…there’s a unique and humorous irony in there somewhere!

Well….I suppose it’s been wavering in the air for a while now…according to Next Generation, China has now banned all children from playing online games that involve killing and sex. I’m curious as to what is considered adult in China. It’s a drastic measure and I’m wondering if it’s a sign to come of what is to happen here. Is the Norwegian government ever going to appoint a department overlooking the content of online games?

Apperantly they’re proposing legislation to protect virtual property. WOW! I honestly never thought such a time would come. It’s just a proposal, however….and….well….I have to admit, I’m kinda scared!

Stumbled on to yet another interesting site today….really intriguing really, The Escapist. It’s a magazine and it’s all about gaming, but withouth the high pitched sqeeky pimple faced voices. I was introduced Ren Reynolds mentions it in his Terra Nova’s post about this fabulous piece on Second Life and living in a land of fantasy; Architecture And Vice: Fantasy in the Magic Kingdom of Second Life by David Thomas. This article explains so clearly what playing SOCIAL MMORPGs is about! A very interesting read And I look forward to reading the rest of the articles. Will of course get a direct link in here somewhere.

Well….it’s taken me FOREVER but I think I may be on to something here. In order to find the true governance of a virtual world, one must look at:

a) The game design aspects

1. How was the game designed to be played
2. What are the rules and resources that govern the game play – this has to be looked upon in two ways as well….not sure how yet, but there has to be a difference between the aesthetics and the hardware/software/books/downloads a.s.o. Because the aesthetics are resources as well (in my opinion of course) and….think I’ll discuss this at another venture so I won’t get entirely lost here, BUT!!! I’m gonna shoot in that I’m wondering if this problem can be solved by looking at the rules and resources of the avatar and the rules and resources of the player, we’ll see.
3. And what is the goals and purposes of these design aspects.

b) Customer support

1. End User/Terms of Service Agreements (or whatever they’re called these days)
2. Enforcement of the rules – you know, complain, they ‘investigate’, they play God/police/dictator/Hitler/Stalin (again…which ever word you prefer)
3. How they regulate and keep the world – wipes, bugs, downloads, new gameplay a.s.o

But to define the true governance of a virtual world we also have to look at:

c) How the game is played

1. What rules and resources have the players themselves constructed
2. What goals do they try to attain (thinking very much of Bartle’s player classification here….and of course Nick Yee’s work)
3. What social rules are generally agreed upon
4. What hierarchies are formed within the virtual – networks, economy

And then I’m not sure….

I know that these three definately have to be discussed. I really don’t think it’s possible to think of one or the other. I’m very annoyed that I’m sitting with all this information in my head and in notes and I still haven’t been able to figure out what the hell to do with it! I’m quite pleased with this however….and since it’s ONLY a Masters this should be enough, shouldn’t it?

Most people have already heard about it and played it…but for those of you who haven’t check out Facade. Games (yes I chose to call it a game, but is generally looked upon as an interactive story, I’ll explain why some other time) don’t get more important than this!
Where should I start? It’s designed by Michael Mateas and Andrew Stern.
For you AI freaks, this is a must!!!! I don’t want to give away too much cause you HAVE to play it, or read it, or….sigh….not in the mood for a definition discussion.
It’s about you visiting friends, a couple, who’s relationship is falling apart. You, as their friend speak to them and either try to make things better or worse…whatever you want! Their responses are so amazing. It has to be tried…or you’ll be missing out on something historic!

Stumbled accross this great article about goldfarming in 1up.com. The journalist actually met a gold farmer for an interview. Very interesting read!!! Also brings up an interesting question; if people are being paid (with sweat shop wages) to produce virtual money are they then playing the game?!! Love it!!! Enjoy!!! ;))

(Trying something new here, writing then adding links, so if you read this before…sorry…links coming soon)Being brought up in the ‘music needs parental guidance’ era, I’m quite amused and touched that so many gamers are logging on and protesting about the dreaded Jack Thompson. I’m also thinking that the music censorship that my generation encountered enraged us so fiercely that we feel for these kids (or of course that we’re still kids anyway). I read a really good article Duke Ferris in Game Evolution that reminded me of this!
I remember the frustration of being told that I couldn’t listen to Judas Priest, cause as a kid, I was so stupid that I would kill myself, at least that’s what people like Nancy Reagan were telling me (my parents trusted me). So I’m now wondering if these kids are being heard. Are they just being ignored cause they’re under 18, and have no right to an opinion, or I guess I should say, right to vote?
They are vocal! They’re very vocal, indeed and they’re angry! I actually spent time reading a blog where lots had been lashed out to Jack Thompson, (introduced to me by Dagbladet) and it was definately worth the read. And I’ve been cruising around different blogs and also talking to a few under 18s in TSO.
I have to come with a BUT, however. Firstly….I understand their frustration and their anger, and I love that we live in an age where blogging exists and they can vent out their feelings and find others to discuss them with. But I don’t think this is the way to reach the Jack Thompsons and Hillary Clintons of the world, they will never take them seriously or in fact listen! So here’s what I’m thinking….should we try and form an organisation for gamers? An organisation that can do their own lobbying in government? An organisation that fights for the right to play? Leak all the positive stories about gaming to the press, participate in intellectual debate, get senators in our pockets? I’m sure there are plenty of lobbyists for the gaming industry…but what about gamers…don’t they have rights too?

I don’t know why the hell I haven’t started listing papers by Espen Aarseth on this blog before! Cause he really is my hero!! But starting to list some of his papers here on the right. Need his permission before I list a few of them however!
The man is a genious for anyone doing research in this field! Insightful and he makes analytical thinking seem so bloody easy it can be annoying at times!
Also including Richard Bartle’s classification of players.

Yup! The lawsuits are just pooring in now!!!! Wired.com reports of a grandma suing Rockstar for GTA ‘coverup’.
First of all….I think it very strange that grandmas and parents are buying these kids, GTA – because they believe them mature enough.

My personal favorite from Dallas News is: