Online Gaming Video games played over some sort of computer network - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Online Gaming Video games played over some sort of computer network

Massively Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs)

Aspects unique to MMOGs: -persistent universe that contin- ues regardless of interaction -can fit up to a few thousand players on a game server at a time -game state rarely ever resets, level gained by a player today will remain when they log back on

Virtual Economies

Diversifying of Games games broadening themes reaching a larger audience (housewives and seniors) usually classified into 9 main categories

Role-playing

World of Warcraft

First-person Shooter

Real-time Strategy

Turn-based Strategy

Simulations

Sports Racing Casual Music/Rhythm

Social and Physical Analysis Studies have shown that massively multiplayer online games effect greatly the physical and social being of those playing. A study was conducted at Syracuse University where 100 random college students were assigned to play ei- ther a traditional single player game or a MMORG.

Those that played the MMORG game experienced more decreased health, well-being, sleep, socialization and academic work. They also had greater enjoyment in playing, increased interest in continuing to play and a rise in the acquisi- tion of new friendships.

Teamwork Self Confidence Leadership

Virtual Emmersive Environment

Intercultural Training

Impact on a larger scale - MMOGs are diversifying, even being utilized for training in real-world situations - U.S. Army created one called AWE (asymmetric warfare environment) - trains soldiers for urban warfare, no plans for commercial release

CONCLUSIONS As online gaming is becoming so popular, MMOGs are the clear forerunners and they are diversifying as they evolve, creating different categories and themes, reach- ing a broader audience. Though we normally associate MMOGs with negative af- fects, it has been found that often they help build essen- tial skills. MMOGs are being utilized outside of just entertainment, in the areas of job training and education.

RESOURCES Future of MMOGs http://www.nbcnews.com/id/40548461/ns/technology_and_science-games/t/ future-pc-gaming-massive-online/#.U1gri-ZdW90 Affecting social interaction http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070915110957.htm Do MMOGs have more negative side effects than traditional sin- gle-player computer games? http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071019174410.html Building self confidence http://www.squidoo.com/the-benefits-of-playing-mmorpgs