Tech | January 30, 2009 | 7 comments

Is World of Warcraft a Religion?

source: http://www.techdigest.tv/2009/01/world_of_warcra_8.html

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purplefox
A Colorado Uni student of sociology has suggested that World of Warcraft is in fact a religion, since it constitutes a community, has rules and an 'ethical dimension', made up of 'unspoken' rules such as community etiquette, as well as a mythos and backstory, which he argues constitues a culture and feelings of belonging and emotion.

Interesting definition and allegory here, and I'm finding it surprisingly hard to find fault in it, especially when we look at people who take the game as seriously as 'real life' or compare casual players to those who just go to church for the sense of community.

Contentious stuff, perhaps.. what d'you think?
  1. groups:
    Tech,   Culture,   Games,   Religion
  2. tags:
    Culture,  Tech,  Internet,  Religion,  6 more
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7 comments // Is World of Warcraft a Religion?

  • simplecj
    • 0
      simplecj  

    • I have played it before. It's a very addicting game so I canceled my account after a month of playing it.

      Despite the side effects on stupid people who let it practically become their life, it is a very amazing experience as far as games go. Such a huge 3D world with lots of stuff going on and a multitude of ways to personalize and customize your character.

      As far as being a religion... no it's certainly not. It's more comparable to an addictive drug which offers the users an alternate reality. The problem is with those players who prefer that reality to the real reality.

      That said, I know people who have similar problems with Halo, but Halo just doesn't have the personalized touch and the variety to become what WOW can be to some people.

    • 3 years ago
  • Elevator
  • Mudboy16
  • Owwmykneecap
  • lordsbassman
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