First, thanks for the thought provoking post. It is why I enjoy posting actually. But no, it doesn't change the fact that this is just a game to me. Sorry. If you want to read more into what I wrote, up to you. We are all different, even if the difference is minuscule or vast.For instance, you're a level 900. That shows some degree of attachment to this game, and I don't believe it's only just because you play this game. You shows a high level of dedication, you actively participated in forum. You are trying to assert your identity by statements which shows your particular perspectives on this game. You're trying to show that you're exist. So no, I don't think that you consider Fallensword as "just a game". In other words, you ARE a part of the Fallensword society.
Yet, different guild -in this sense functions as a community- often provides a different set of value and perspectives. Some guilds have a strong set of norms and value, and really functions as an institution to define the identity, expected role, and social responsibility of their member. Some guilds have a much weaker set of value and norm, in which the member mostly develop their identity based on other environment besides virtual [fallensword]. It could be based on other institution, such as, family, school, religious group, etc.
Granted, there many factors affecting the development of individual identity, especially for the identity used in the virtual environment. But Fallensword, does function as a society which accommodate both the development and implementation of individual [or group] identity, even when you a "everything's-fair-as-long-as-doesn't-violate-ToS" PvP-er
I hope this is enough to end the "This Is Just a Game ROTFL-LMAO" bs.
Thank you.
~ Denyza
If people want to create their identity based on an online game, so be it. Personally, I think it isn't healthy psychologically.The world we delve into while playing isn't tangible until two or more players meet in person and even then we are meeting actual people and not their characters. So the psyche each person plays is a fictional one, a role-playing character if you will. Hence the game's description. It is entertainment, like reading a book. It is funny to me if you think about it, the character each of us plays isn't even owned by us but by HCS. But I don't want to go off on a tangent..
Yes, actual people play online games. However, only emotionally are they invested if they want and not physically so to relate intangible actions to real world ones while playing is false. I don't understand how a 'character' stealing fictional gold is a thief, for example. That's what we playfully call them but we aren't also going around in day-to-day life killing creatures or mobs using buffs and potions with swords and helmets that have attack and damage, are we? Players are too often overwhelmed by their emotions that they don't differentiate between being fictionally attacked playing this game and being physically assaulted in reality. They see it as one in the same. Then nasty messages are sent, threats of retribution, and many other reactions. So forth and so on. It's laughable and child-like to me frankly until I remind myself that there are many juveniles playing, even adult-aged ones.
Again, IT IS JUST A GAME! Or maybe it's better to re-evaluate what direction in life one is headed...


