british council event given the schulze / webb / jones treatment

One thing that’s very interesting to me is using this rapidly-produced thing then becomes a ’social object’: creating conversations, collecting scribbles, instigating adventures - which then get collected and redistributed. A feedback loop made out of paper, in a place.

"The study showed MMORPGs can be extremely social games, with high percentages of gamers making life-long friends and partners." v. interesting observation.

An old paper this, picked up via matt webb. needs to be read. explores the playing dynamics of MUDS, identifies 4 player types (achievers, explorers, socializers and killers) and offers food for design thought.

Influential researcher and writer about the social life of virtual worlds. A list of his publications is here. Recommend "virtual third places..." (2007)

Great stuff here; players wanting to communicate with each other but being bound by the in-game rules and player collaboration being key to generating a community. Adversarial contact on the other hand, "deperso

The psychology of MMORPGS by Nick Yee

Conflict is often seen as the essence of gaming. However, this article puts the emphasis on co-operation and explains how player co-operation is a vital part of MMOGs.

Highly questionable paper abstract assuming physical proximity is a proxy for intimacy and relationships and therefore scheming within prisons. Fascinating nonetheless.

One to watch. "Based on the assumption that gaming is first and foremost a social activity". Ethnographic study of how teenagers are playing the controversial game "Playing Bully".

quick review of byron's review which needs to be read. I'm hoping that they'll be some clear headed evidence about video gaming; some balance is needed to the knee jerk liberal response on the subject.