I intend on writing a number of posts on social interaction in the virtual world environment (have half written some already in fact). The type of Virtual World’s that are more typically found in the educational context currently, may include Second Life (not a fan myself – very primitive IMHO) , Entropia Universe and Sims Online. In particular, I am interested in aspects such as leadership, conflict in Computer Mediated Communications (CMC’s) and other interpersonal interactions between avatars.
Before I start posting, I thought I might give a really quick overview of the MMORPG that I am involved with.
A quick down and dirty background to Everquest II (EQ2)
- EQ2 is what is known as a Massively Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Game (MMORPG).
- Has been available by Sony Online Entertainment since 2004,
- MMORPG’s were worth close to half a billion in 2005 and growth is still expanding,
- Game is based on character progression ie levelling your character. At date of writing, level is capped at level 70.
- Leveling occurs through completing quests which may include fighting monsters and other forms of achievement.
- Players are associated with a Guild – an online community that collectively works to level each other, complete quests with special rewards, and level the Guild for bonus rewards.
- Guilds have different ranks, ranging from Guild leader, officers and down to recruits.
- Guild membership may be based on a variety of criteria.
Myself
I currently have 5 characters (also referred to as alts or toons)
MAIN: the principle character
Luthienn - Level capped at 70: Fury, member of The Dying Sun on Najena server. Currently 2 IC guild officer progressing to Co-Guild Leadership in next month.
ALTS
Guilded alts have all privileges pertaining to the main
I hope these posts will be of some interest to the readers out there, as it is for me belonging to this virtual world. I derive a lot of personal value from observing human nature in this environment.
