Synthetic Worlds and Second Lives: Human Communication and Online Role Playing Games

Session Submission Type: Panel Discussion

Abstract

This panel investigates massive multiplayer online role playing games (MMORPGs) in the context of human communication. Unlike many titles currently available for gaming consoles, MMORPGs are deliberately and unavoidably social. They create shared, three-dimensional worlds in which users distributed all over the globe meet, communicate, and engage in all kinds of social interaction. The panelists chart and investigate the new intellectual challenges and opportunities that this technology presents to researchers in the field of communication.

Sub Unit

• Human Communication and Technology Division

Chair

• Roger Stahl, University of Georgia

Respondent

• Robert A. Brookey, Northern Illinois Univ

Session Organizer

• David J. Gunkel, Northern Illinois Univ