Why is social interaction such an important aspect of gaming, and how does it increase the sense of presence? (rsororian)

A1: Social interaction is important in some genres of games, such as MMO’s or single player rpgs. One of the basic human needs just about everyone searches for in life is a sense of belonging. When a player finds a community to play with (whether it is through a guild on an MMO or just interacting with NPCS), the begin to fill this void. Since games are essencially 1’s and 0’s, social interaction is an important allure to keep people play games and to keep the field of game play fresh. The interaction can be created digitally (basically conversing with nonplayer characters) to create the appearance and feeling of interacting with a society. That is just part of the game.

Q: Define and describe immediacy and hypermediacy and the singificance of their presentation through media. (ijoshi)

A1:

Q: What sets hyperidentity apart from identity? Give specific examples. (ijoshi)

A: Hyperreality is a multiplicity of influences that form a complex layer of identities called “hyperidentity” and is an identity that is not controlled at all by all institutions or norms and therefore is a better reflection of who we are without the influence of the constraining “real” world. (nwithers)

Q: What social factor has caused an increase in what the author calls hyperreality? (nwithers)

A:

Q1: Desscribe the idea behind escapism in video games. (ijoshi)

A1: Escapism is the idea that a player can use the video game world to escape from their own reality through participating in activities forbidden in real life. (kmartinez)

Q2: What sets hyperidentity apart from identity? Give specific examples. (ijoshi)