I'm old school. I'm not going to deny that I'd rather watch Top Gun or an episode of Saved By the Bell than see Grey's Anatomy. I always pay cash wherever I go and enjoy a good old-fashioned game of Super Mario Bros. over any of the Halo series games. Also, computer games aren't a hobby I'm planning to pick up anytime soon.
Doom- not a fan. Sims- no thanks. Second Life- teleport back?...I think not.
Hey, everyone! Come and see how good I look!Photo: Wiebs Carpool
The virtual world of Second Life is a game without a desired focus or goal. Yes, Second Life is a game. It has no journalistic purpose and I don't see how and why it is considered real by any means. How can people spend hours upon hours on this stuff? I found it amusing to see what Avatars people chose (especially Bradizzle Fizzle), but I don't think Second Life has anything useful about it. If I can create myself to be 6-foot-4, 220-lbs with steroid-like muscles and incredible dance moves, then you know this game lacks realism.
Yes, you can communicate with one another, buy and sell goods; but I wouldn't travel into Second Life just to be a part of a global community. More power to the people that chomp at the bit to login to Second Life. I'm not one of them and I'll just stick to the Super Nintendo.
I struggle to find the value beyond the environmental reasons I cited in class, as well. So what gives? Why are 9 million people hooked?