The Social World of Raiding
Introduction to the Study
Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs) are online virtual worlds in which large numbers of participants engage in cooperative and competitive game play. Participation typically involves substantial and ongoing social engagement with other players. In this project we are examining the social experiences of people involved in playing the largest and most populous MMORPG – "World of Warcraft". We are studying the social interactions that take place online while playing the game. We are also studying how deep involvement in playing this game fits with players’ other social engagements – at home, at school, at work and amongst friendship networks.
Aims and Significance of the Study
Tens of millions of people currently spend tens of hours every week playing Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGs). These games involve substantial social interaction between players. Involvement in these games also has implications for people’s social engagements outside the game. This project will examine the social interactions that occur while participating in these virtual worlds. It will also examine how the large time commitments and deep social involvement in these games are fitted into people’s daily life. The study’s findings will provide important insights into the social experiences and social implications of online games useful to game developers, community leaders and policy makers.
Approach to the Study
Our study is using ethnographically informed methods to understand social engagement and MMORPGs. Methods include interviews with players, observation of game play and use of day reconstruction diaries. We are currently recruiting participants for the first round of interviews for this study. This part of the project will examine the experience of players involved in raiding activities in World of Warcraft.
Contact and Chief Investigator
For further information please contact the Chief Invesitgator and Project Leader, Dr Martin Gibbs.
(03) 8344 1394 or by email martin.gibbs (at) unimelb.edu.au
Dr Martin Gibbs is a member of the Interaction Design Group in the Department of Information Systems at The University of Melbourne. He completed his PhD with the Department of History and Philosophy of Science, The University of Melbourne in 2000. Since 2002 his research has investigated how people use a variety of interactive technologies (video games, community networks, mobile phones, etc.) for convivial and sociable purposes in a variety of situations (family relationships, local neighborhoods, work-based occupational communities, online computer games). In addition to this study, his current projects include the ARC funded "Connected Homes Project".