GLS 2008 - WoW Roundtable
A variety of researchers briefly explained their research in and around the game, World of Warcraft. Afterwards, we broke to mingle with the researchers to get a better idea of their research. There were some interesting discussions:
Academics are no longer simply researching the games externally, but now immersing themselves in it. There has possibly been a “chaging of the guard” due to the fact that many researchers today have grown up playing video games.
Social capital is important.
When explaining research results, there are sometimes problems resulting from an audiences lack of experience or knowledge of games like MMOs. Find analogs to help explain to non-gamers!
Quest logs are learning management systems!
A video explaining MMOs ground up and targeted to teachers or academics who’ve had no experience with MMOs is needed.
-Lucas