Virtual World Don't Exist

Virtual Worlds Don't Exist: Questioning the Dichotomous Approach in MMO Studies

by ViliLehdonvirta Austin Lucas, Ben Liu, Dan Pecora, Dan Stafford

Virtual vs. Reality  Where

should the boundary between the virtual and the real world be 

Are virtual relationships possible?  What



Real identity vs. virtual identity  The



is necessary for a relationship to exist?

freedom to be whoever you want to be virtually

MMOs beyond virtual  Fan

sites, forums  Physical spaces/events

Law  Where    

if at all should law apply to MMOs?

Terms of service Trade User actions that harm others online Protection of virtual property  Data

on personal computer vs anonymous server

Economy  Virtual  

and real economy

In-game trade What are the implications of in game items being exchanged for real world currency?

Relationships  What

qualities or characteristics are required in a relationship?  What does a virtual relationship satisfy?  What does a virtual relationship lack?  Are there any implications of a virtual relationship?

Reality ď‚› The

freedom to be whomever you want virtually ď‚›

Anoniminity