Redefining Virtual Worlds For Mass Market Consumption

Moderator: Dave Elchoness, Association of Virtual Worlds
Panelist: Erik Bethke, GoPets Ltd.
Panelist: John K. Bates, Mindark / Entropia Universe
Panelist: Craig Sherman, Gaia Online
Panelist: Rob Lanphier, Linden Lab

Why are Virtual Worlds so often viewed merely as esoteric play spaces? What is missing that keeps them from being far more broadly accepted, now? We will examine language & definitions, usability issues, payment models, branding, bringing play & tasks that are fulfilling, and we'll broach the question: Are virtual worlds games? Should they be? Are they social networks? Should they be? What Virtual Worlds learn from MMOs, from social networking, and from other virtual worlds?Virtual Worlds have long cried out that they are not games. However, as the broader space has evolved virtual worlds have lagged behind more typical MMOs in adoption and Virtual Worlds which have adopted game-like elements have prospered and continue to grow quickly. In fact, some Virtual Worlds which previously decried being called games have begun to embrace the label.

It would seem that there are things to be learned by Virtual Worlds from pure MMOs as well as the undeniably thriving social networks like FaceBook and LinkedIn. In this panel we will look at the fertile ground that results when hard distinctions are blurred and the Universes of Virtual Worlds, Games and Social Networks collide. Can the language and definitions we use be influential? Is a Digital Good more enticing than a Virtual Good? What are the usability factors that influence mass adoption? (They’re not always what you’d think!) How do payment models and options influence success and broader adoption? What about branding? Is there a value to bringing play and tasks to Virtual Worlds? And are Virtual Worlds games whether they like it or not?

Intended Audience: Virtual World developers, game developers, others interested in online worlds and games.

Prerequisites: Attendees should have some experience with computer games and/or console games, online worlds (even something like Xbox Live), and an interest in the future of the entire space of games and online worlds.

Format: Panel

Track: Design

Date/Time: Tuesday, 10:30 AM

Room: Harbor