Virtual World Building

This assignments asks you to investigate virtual world building by thinking critically about the arguments made by such spaces and their underlying platforms. By successfully completing this assignment, you will gain a working knowledge of some world building software. You will also gain experience analyzing a built world and/or world building software platform.

This assignment has two components, the first of which includes two options.

Part 1: A Virtual World

Option 1: Build a World of your Own

If you choose this option, build a virtual world of any sort, using a platform of your choice. The only platform I can provide support for will be MOO, but if you are familiar with (or willing to learn) some other platform such as Second Life, you are more than welcome to pursue it.

At a minimum, the world you build should include the following:

1. An avatar or roleplaying system (this will probably be built into the platform, as it is maryMOO)
2. The possibility for other people to spend time in your world
3. A persistent sense of place

In general, plan your project such that the amount of content is similar to a 3 - 4 page academic essay. More importantly, the world should feel complete and coherent to the extent that it can.

The shape, purpose, and theme of your world is entirely up to you, as long as it does have some specific shape, purpose, and theme.

Note: The instructions for this option are intentionally vague because I want you to explore many options and techniques in your process of discovery. If you have an idea or a platform you want to run by me, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Option 2: Analyze an Existing Virtual World

If you choose this option, select an existing virtual world and write a short essay explicating its structures, themes, and implicit arguments. The essay should be 3 or 4 pages in length (about 1200 words) and it should comprise a deep, thoughtful engagement with the world building strategies at work in your chosen world. Specifically, I want you to consider how the virtual world works as either utopia or dystopia. What ideologies are presented in exaggerated or minimalized fashion? What ideas or practices are valorized at the expense of others? How does the platform this world is built and experienced on inform or influence its politics?

You can choose any world you have access to, are familiar with, or just interested in studying, as long as it has at least

1. An avatar or roleplaying system
2. A community of players/participants
3. A persistent space or environment

Please note: This world need not be a videogame. If you can make the argument that your world has each of the above, then it is appropriate for your paper. If you're not sure, please ask. Here are just a few suggestions:

I will evaluate your paper both in terms of its content and its clarity. Ultimately, an interesting and engaged discussion is the most valuable feature of a successful paper. Grammar does count, however, and I expect these papers to be written in clear, polished academic style that is free of errors. You must full document any source you cite by using correct MLA style.

Part 2: A Virtual World Profile

Whichever option you choose for Part 1, complete the assignment by creating a profile of the virtual world you created or studied. The profile will be prepared on the course website by completing a series of questions in a web form.