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