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When Virtual Worlds Collide

Wired is running an interesting article on the realization of past predictions with regards to online gaming and where we are headed for the future. The author predicts that the separation between online worlds like Ultima Online and World of Warcraft may be headed out of style, making your in-game persona as pervasive as an email address. From the article: "Because the current metaverse evolved largely out of videogames, it makes sense that it should be composed of fiefdoms - after all, you wouldn't expect a Grand Theft Auto crack dealer to drop in for a barbecue with the Sims. But there is reason to believe that the divided metaverse is merely a transitional phase, and that its component worlds will coalesce."

8 of 228 comments (clear)

  1. Yawn... by smoor · · Score: 3, Funny

    And those of us with jobs and lives will STILL not be a part of it...

  2. And why not? by Buckler · · Score: 5, Funny

    I think the GTA crack dealer would be a hell of a lot more fun at my sims bbq than, say, headcrabs.

  3. Sims and GTA by phorm · · Score: 5, Funny

    after all, you wouldn't expect a Grand Theft Auto crack dealer to drop in for a barbecue with the Sims

    When I pictured this in my head, it was one of the funniest damn concepts I'd seen in awhile. I wonder if somebody could make such a similar game, where various groups work happily at creating little people and families and others play as the carjackers and dealers. Imagine that you log on onto to find that your car has been jacked by local online-gaming hoodlums, or perhaps your wife abducted, and you could persue a form of quest in which you have to hunt them down a-la hollywood style. This could be fun for both those playing the 'criminals' and those playing the 'citizens'.

    Perhaps one could through legitimate playing work up to the level of mayor or congressman, making you a target of the darker elements but also allowing you to hire bodyguards and/or accept bribes. Interesting ide.

  4. More accurate title... by Hamster+Lover · · Score: 5, Funny

    "When basement worlds collide".

    Ah, that's better.

  5. Ah, don't forget the eternal question by hey! · · Score: 3, Funny

    Federation of Planets vs. Star Wars Empire.

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  6. They have that game. by raehl · · Score: 5, Funny

    It's called Real Life. Graphics and sound are EXCELLENT.

    There's a lot of time spent mindlessly earning gold though, and the biggest problem with it is the lack of a save feature.

    1. Re:They have that game. by acvh · · Score: 3, Funny
      "biggest problem with it is the lack of a save feature."

      actually, there IS a save feature, it's just that no one in the US knows how to use it.....

  7. Re:Since we're headed toward 1 avatar by Neologic · · Score: 3, Funny

    Sorry, I think Hiro Protaganist is one step ahead of you.

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