Synthetic Worlds

Looking for Culture in Video Games: Three Conceptual Approaches

“…I can not imagine a community more repressed than video gamers. By forsaking the traditional wisdom that, "video games rot your brain" and looking beyond the surface of appearances, we find that not only is there real culture happening under our proverbial noses, but we may also find that the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of the "new generation" of video gamers could very well have tremendous impact on social, political, and economic issues far beyond the boundaries of their synthetic worlds [6].…”

“…In 2005, Edward Castronova authored one of the earliest books that investigated video games' influence on the world outside the game [6]. While he mainly focused on economics he also explored some aspects of computer game player culture.…”

“…LAN parties) and extending to major national events like the Korean Starcraft Championships that take place in giant stadium environments. Next we might attempt to assess the impact of the rapidly increasing number of computer gamers and the powerful sub-culture's influence on markets and cultures outside their traditions [6]. This approach would require a solid detailed knowledge of economics as well as a deep understanding of actual game mechanics that could potentially impact external forces.…”

“…These players have far more diverse motivations. Gaining levels, building virtual wealth [6], establishing and maintaining social relationships [17], gaining knowledge of game mechanics and social norms, engaging in compelling narrative, building a reputation, and working toward common goals and objectives with friends and 'guildmates' are all far more typical motivations than simply playing for fun [17]. The reality of massive multiplayer games is that it is the minority who play for fun, the rest approach the activity more like professional athletes looking for better and faster ways to "win."…”

“…Castronova followed the e-bay market sales of virtual game assets for a period of time. He established that, "The commerce flow generated by people buying and selling money and other virtual items (that is, magic wands, spaceships, armor) amounts to at least $30 million annually in the United States, and $100 million globally" [6]. While this may seem like a relatively small amount, the total has continued to grow rapidly over the years and while there is no more recent data on the trend, it is surely much higher today.…”