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The Escapist: A folk hero for the online age
Tom Endo over at The Escapist has written an interesting editorial in which he suggests the idea that we all need a villain as a vessel for people's frustration with authority such as Bonnie and Clyde or Robin Hood. In the case of MMOs, that anti-hero is the Griefer, who will push the game mechanics to and past their breaking point or intended use in order get ahead.Second Life has had more than its fair share of griefers over the years, and it's true that in games such as Eve Online, the actions of the players have had a massive impact on the game. Some might say that with some games they have had more than the developer itself. Such is the case with the various self-styled bad-boy corporations and alliances throughout the years in that game, or the actions leading up to the Felluca/Trammel split in Ultima Online. But Endo puts forward the idea that players need these griefers and the stories that they create, despite the true nature of their actual actions. Head on over to The Escapist to read the full article and see if you agree with his ideas.
Feeling a budget burn? Go World of Warshopping!
Are you sick of the economy but still a ravenous consumer? Are you trying to save real life cash but still craving the trendiest threads? Are you looking for the some of the best cheap entertainment money can buy? Step into the ultra-violet tanning light and embrace the penny-saver known as World of Warcraft!Tom Endo over at The Escapist delivers an interesting editorial that just might have you looking at WoW in a new and exciting way. It isn't about using the game as a means to replace social encounters; it's about using the game to replace expensive social encounters. Tom may not personally feel you need to use WoW as a coping mechanism for poor economic times, but you certainly could. For Tom, it's all about expressing his consumerism in a new way.Go window-shopping on WoWHead! Keep an eye out for that new glowing sword! Save up all our pennies and splurge on a vanity mount you don't really need! Remain envious of and try keeping up with the Boneses (they're undead after all)! WoW really is a perfect alternative to explore the need for greed, so if you're feeling the pocket pinch, why not give it a try?Disclaimer: Shop-a-holics may exhibit early symptoms of WoW addiction. Buyer beware!
