The Social Side

As we investigate these online games and start to understand how all-- encompassing the accompanying lifestyle may become, it becomes very clear that the social aspect of many of these games is of very high value to the players involved.

The very nature of anonymity suggests that there is a secret, some sort of an obstacle that must stay hidden. As many of these players create these avatars that are often the summation of what the player wishes to be, they are hoping to fulfil a void through their presence online, and remain protected by the bubble of their masked identity.

A study of the gamer and their social interactions does indeed present a paradox; one might think the desire to remain anonymous as being the same as the desire for solitude, which is far from true. Anonymous players often play these games for the social aspect without having to risk exposing themselves, which means they clearly do not want remain alone.

Although a person's desire to have an anonymous social life may be based on their insecurities, there are other reasons people may value gaming as an opportunity to socialize. Many people do not have the option to participate in "real" social events for a variety of events, ranging from the stereotype of the housebound to those with demanding schedules that do not allow for needed social interaction.

Delving into the social world of online gaming is quite eye--opening and exposes an interesting display of human behavior on a new virtual landscape. It is my intention throughout this course to obtain a sort of cross--section of this culture, further understanding why people are doing what their doing, what they receive from their experiences and how it shapes them as people and their everyday lives.