Kerryn's Blog

‘Friendships formed with other players keep players coming back’ (Humphries, 2005: 41). The social networks created in games such as the World of Warcraft are vital for the longevity of the game and also for the people within it. These networks can be created using a variety of methods throughout the game as social interaction is a prevalent and a core component of it. As a result, these networks can affect immaterial labour as they create plentiful opportunities for gamers to meet potential employees and employers as well as creating jobs within the game itself.

World of Warcraft is a massively multiplayer online role playing game where players choose to play either as a member of the Horde or Alliance to complete various quests and ‘raids’. Players select their race and class which come with unique pathways of skills, abilities and talents and can learn various professions along the way to enhance their character. The story is determined by the actions of the player and the people that are met throughout. Furthermore, some quests require groups to complete due to their complex nature and difficulty. Therefore, the social networks that are created within the game help to enhance the gaming experience for the player and these relations are vital for overall mastery of the game. Besides conversing with the non-playing characters within the game, there are many methods in which player to player interaction can occur.