Rhizome Experiment, Fall 2015

Variations of Self in Online Gameplay: Call of Duty

In the world of online gaming there is a lot of different ways in which people communicate and interact. Whether it is sending text messages, voice message,  in-game interactions, or microphone headset communication, there are many ways people to associate with one another. Perhaps the most common from of communication is by way of microphone headset. In call of duty’s online multiplayer gaming many people speak out in different ways than they would in real life. A lot of players develop a sense of arrogance when they are virtually hidden behind a TV screen. The player develops this cockiness because they feel a sense of safety and immunity to either physical or mental harm in the virtual world of  Call of Duty. It is more likely than not, that people will be playing online against people from all over the world. The chances of actually coming in to physical contact with random players are slim to none (unless it is an organized meeting) . In relation to Jon’s work, the concept is the same  in how people feel they have the freedom to act out in ways different than how they would in real life.
            Because of this sense of immunity, trash talking becomes a very big part of the game. Over the course of the game, no matter what age, race, or gender, people become immersed in the game and emotions spill out. If someone is having a really good game, human nature calls for him or her to boast and more often than not, that leads to talking down on people of lesser talent. From this, players in different lobbies become competitive and that can lead to even more “out of character” interactions to take place.
 

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