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Is World of Warcraft More Than Just A Game?

walnutmon writes "Newsweek has published a three page article asking whether World of Warcraft is more than just a game. Though some spend their time in WoW grinding, others take a break from the monotony of gaming to interact with others from the community in a meaningful way. From the article: 'Generally, though, players of the game enjoy a form of community rarely seen in the real world; higher-level players go out of their way to tutor newbies and accompany them on quests. Deep friendships are forged. Relationships begin that flower into marriage, with Tauren brides and Undead grooms tying the knot in some virtual tavern in Thunder Bluff.' I guess the question is, does a game become more when people do more than play to win, or is this just an added feature?" Raph Koster has been of the opinion, for quite some time now, that all MMOGs are virtual worlds; it just so happens you can play a game inside many of them. What's your view on this? Are Massive games just another kind of game title, or are they something special?

8 of 339 comments (clear)

  1. No. by Rix · · Score: 4, Funny

    There is some degree of community in other games, but not in WoW. Unless you consider Chuck Norris jokes community.

  2. Just another kind of game by chrispycreeme · · Score: 5, Funny

    that happens to be addictive as hell to some people.. But it is still just a game. Personally I stay the hell away from those sorts of games the same way I avoid crack cocaine and heroin.. Heroin users have a community too. I always used to listen to them talk on the bus in the morning till they all got off at the methadone clinic. Seemed like nice people, but I don't want to join their community.

  3. Re:WoW is more inclusive than D&D. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    "I was with my son, who is slightly nerdy, the last time I saw a scene like that. He even quietly agreed with the harassers. D&D players are sometimes looked down upon by fellow nerds. I really don't know why, but that's just how it is."

    http://www.brunching.com/geekhierarchy.html

  4. Of course it's more than a game.. by nephridium · · Score: 2, Funny

    If MMORPGs like WOW, EQ or DAoC get people riled up like this guy it's hard to argue otherwise.. ;)

    --


    And when you gaze long enough into the code, the code will also gaze into you.
  5. Re:Yes, but.. by tsm_sf · · Score: 2, Funny

    Those who do not remember Breakfast Club are doomed to repeat it...

    It's social. Demented and sad, but social.

    --
    Literalism isn't a form of humor, it's you being irritating.
  6. Re:Excuse me? by Nicaboker · · Score: 2, Funny

    There was life before the internet?

    --
    So many choices, so little tolerance.
  7. Re:Its just like a MUD by moro_666 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Obligatory: :night sober> go out
    She slaps you: "No you won't" :night sober> flee
    Her slap misses you.
    Your slap misses her. :night sober> flee
    Her slap hits you.
    Your slap misses her. :night hp:scratched sober> flee
    Woooouuh ... you managed to escape.

    Bar

    The tables are covered in pints. Dim light shines over the attractive
    female figures in the room. Enjoy your stay :night hp:scratched sober> drink pint :night hp:scratched slightly drunk> drink pint :night hp:scratched quite drunk> drink pint :night very drunk>

    Connection lost ...

    --

    I'd tell you the chances of this story being a dupe, but you wouldn't like it.
  8. Re:WoW is more inclusive than D&D. by Zediker · · Score: 2, Funny

    No, the first one also sucked balls as well... Except it knew how to suck your balls, and massage them as well... the second one was completely inept at sucking balls... it was a ball sucking virgin...

    --
    I love to slaughter the english language.