Investigating people forming communities on MMOWS and MMOGS, and the process of interactive knowledge acquisition

Abstract

This dissertation seeks to investigate the formation of communities within Massive Multiplayer Online Games and Worlds such as; World of Warcraft, League of Legends, Call of Duty and Gaia Online. This is linked to the process of interactive knowledge acquisition that the members of such communities seemingly gain from participating in such an activity. Through the use of relevant literature and three focus groups varying in playing intensities, this study strives to show how gamers acquire a diverse set of kills and outcomes when interacting with a number of other players online, as well as achieving and exploring within the in-game environment. Data gathered suggests that people who play MMOGs/MMOWs absorb a set of skills and personal benefits, such as happiness and enjoyment, which are transferred to a real life context other than the virtual world.