Online Games as Third Places
Abstract
This paper proposes that multiplayer online games are the ideal third places for the contemporary western populations, due to their cosmopolitism. The argument is based on three basic notions: the multiplayer online game; the idea of third place and the understanding of the cosmopolitan nature of western contemporary populations. A taxonomy of social softwares which function as online meeting places is built, based on three types of usage: utilitary, self-motivated and entertainment. The ideas that Oldenburg (1999) associates with third places are recovered and crossed to the characteristics of multiplayer online games.
Key words: games, online games, third places, internet, sociability.Downloads
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