Living in 'Guild Wars': A cultural analysis of the discourse, dance and evolution of an MMOG phenomenon

This thesis is a cultural study of the gaming environment of the massive multi-player online game (MMOG) of Guild Wars. Data for this qualitative study was collected through ethnographic methods and used participant observation for a period of 130 hours. Additionally, discourse analysis was used to examine external forum chat revolving around Guild Wars. Players of the game often become so immersed that they blur reality and fantasy. In essence, Baudrillard's simulacra are real and true. Bourdieu's concept of capital is expanded and the notion of hegemonic relationships in regard to gender is expanded into the virtual environment. These findings indicate troubling social issues regarding virtual interaction. This study offers support that virtual reality has become Reality for many MMOG players.