I am not an online or virtual gamer in any way and have very limited knowledge of the different games and programs. After reading a few articles and learning more about Second Life, I was extremely shocked. I never realized how intense or intricate the virtual world could be. As described in the article, Even in Virtual World Stuff Matters, Second Life has thought of everything. The people who play it can get everything- clothes, land, apartments, Calvin Klein perfume...
While I think that virtual worlds are smart to a certain extent, as they allow individuals a way to be creative, leave the stresses of real world behind for a bit and get to live another one, I am kind of put back by these virtual worlds.
When reading the articles, I couldn't but help think of online gambling. It started out as a smart idea, a way to get to play a few games from the comfort of home. However, there comes a point when online gambling is more than just a form of entertainment, but rather an unhealthy obsession (which have prompted legal action to help cut down and ban it in the US). There are so many stories of lives being destroyed as a result of online gambling, that I could see also happening from Second Life. While the Lindens in Second Life are not equal to the same $ amount, money is still involved and if people want to achieve more and enhance their life then they will spend more.
Other countries, as well as the US, have realized how online gambling is a problem and have taken steps to try to eliminate and reduce this issue. With the parallel between gambling and Second Life (or so I see it), I think that there should be a certain extent or monitoring of these virtual games.
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I know I'm going to sound like a Libertarian with this comment. But I promise I'm not!!!
In regards to your online gambling parallel, I just have an issue with any external source, whether that be our government or the gambling company itself monitoring its players just *in case* they have gambling problems.
As the years have gone by I think people take less and less responsibility for their actions and while gambling and other addictions are horrible things and those people often need help to stop those actions/behaviors. The prevention of it (over indulging) falls on yourself, your family, and your friends -- not your government or a corporation.
With that being said I hate the idea of the same thing being done to MMO's or any online gaming. If you're a parent to a child who plays a game, limit his or her time with your parental abilities. If you're an adult.. limit yourself! In China they limit the time people can play online games, is that who we're emulating?
I agree that it is absurd that China limits the time people can play online games, however I feel like their could be a simpler control built into the system.
I believe that the government should not have the complete right to determine what is right and what is wrong, but I was thinking to see if there is a reasonable control that could be implemented (by the game)...
After looking around, I found a related article you might want to check out for yourselves. "Man Dies From Excessive Online Gaming" (link: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/09/17/tech/main3267892.shtml)
Apparently, other cases have been reported where poeple died due to their excessive internet gaming habits...!
Check out my last post on: http://danielbthomas.blogspot.com
Regards,
Daniel.
The thing is, its not a game persay. Its main purpose is for companies to conduct business through a different medium. Though it is true, that some people use SL as a game, however, they aren't using it correctly. Also, its no question that people spend too much time on the internet. How many times have you caught yourself just surfing the web or watching videos online? Does it even matter what they are doing on the computer, since they'll be there anyways.
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