Social Context in Massively-Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs):

Computer and video games have become nearly ubiquitous among individuals in industrialized nations, and they have received increasing attention from researchers across many areas of scientific study. However, relatively little attention has been given to Massively-Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs). The unique social context of MMOGs raises ethical questions about how communication occurs and how conflict is managed in the game world. In order to explore these questions, we compare the social context in Blizzard’s World of Warcraft and Disney’s Toontown, focusing on griefing opportunities in each game. We consider ethical questions from the perspectives of players, game companies, and policymakers.

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Massively Multiplayer Online Games as Spaces for Metacognition and Self-Regulated Learning

Global Perspectives on Gameful and Playful Teaching and Learning - Advances in Educational Technologies and Instructional Design ◽

10.4018/978-1-7998-2015-4.ch004 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 78-104

Author(s):

Anastasia Lynn Betts ◽

Meagan K. Rothschild

Keyword(s):

Video Games ◽

Video Game ◽

Online Games ◽

World Of Warcraft ◽

Massively Multiplayer Online Games ◽

Critical Component ◽

Self Regulated Learning ◽

Multiplayer Online Games ◽

Massively Multiplayer

Metacognition, or the ability to be consciously and intentionally aware of one's thinking and the ways in which one's thinking impacts one's learning, has been shown in the research to be a critical component of learners' abilities to learn effectively. One area of research on metacognition has focused on the role of metacognition in video games, specifically in massively multiplayer online games, known as MMOs. Through examples of metacognition in a popular video game such as World of Warcraft or in Adventure Academy, a new educational MMO for children ages 8–13 years old, this chapter highlights the ways in which MMOs can act as spaces that support the development of metacognitive behaviors through the components of planning, monitoring, control, and evaluation, toward improving learning overall.

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Collective Solitude and Social Networks in World of Warcraft

Social Networking Communities and E-Dating Services ◽

10.4018/978-1-60566-104-9.ch005 ◽

2009 ◽

pp. 78-100 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Nicolas Ducheneaut

Keyword(s):

Social Networks ◽

Real World ◽

Online Social Networks ◽

Online Games ◽

World Of Warcraft ◽

Massively Multiplayer Online Games ◽

Multiplayer Online Games ◽

The Relationship ◽

Do So ◽

Massively Multiplayer

This chapter investigates the nature and structure of social networks formed between the players of massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs), an incredibly popular form of Internet-based entertainment attracting millions of subscribers. To do so, we use data collected about the behavior of more than 300,000 characters in World of Warcraft (the most popular MMOG in America). We show that these social networks are often sparse and that most players spend time in the game experiencing a form of “collective solitude”: they play surrounded by, but not necessarily with, other players. We also show that the most successful player groups are analogous to the organic, team-based forms of organization that are prevalent in today’s workplace. Based on these findings, we discuss the relationship between online social networks and “real-world” behavior in organizations in more depth.

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