Introduction
The online gaming market has expanded since the 1990s as technology has improved the cross-platform online game play (PS3, Xbox 360), as well as computers. The genre of games available online is diverse and in particular, massively multiplayer online games (MMO), has expanded to incorporate different themes e.g. sci-fi, and crime as well as traditional fantasy themes.
Runescape is a traditional online role playing game which I have been playing for nearly 3 years which I enjoy immensely. I will be looking at how this game integrates social interaction of players and how players separate their real life from their virtual life as a character in the game.
How I got drawn in.. Part 1:
"Since the mid 1990s I only used the internet for accessing information for school work or checking my email and chatting to friends. After I completed my studies at university in 2005 I got a job as a junior graphic designer, and it was at my job that I was introduced by my graphics manager to an online game called Runescape.
It was exciting creating my avatar and being let loose on the induction island, where all new players pick up new skills and to get use to the game. My manager was a high level player and helped me out to start with by giving me some gold, armour, weapons and good food when I entered the non member's world.."