Online Games

Singleplayer Games Single computer Play alone

Multiplayer Games Same Computer LAN Internet See the other person Several persons interact with each other Know the persons Internet Many players Mostly unknown persons

Online Games Internet games Both MP games and Massive Multiplayer Online Games (MMOG) Several persons have to interact with each other Alias

MMOG Consistent World The world is a community Server/Client Company has complete control over the server

Rules in MMOG Rules of World Rules of Conduct Implicit Rules

Rules of World Game mechanics What the player is able to do PVE, PVP How people interact with eachother Basically the ”physics” of the game Exploits

Toontown

Rules of Conduct Terms of Services Common rules The “Law” of the game Not impersonate game staff Not ruin the game play for other players Not exploiting the game mechanics Not using bots to automate the game The “Law” of the game What is considered ok in one game...

Example of ROC Player may not engage in any conduct or communication while using the DAoC Services which is unlawful or which restricts or inhibits any other Player from using or enjoying these Services. (Dark age of Camelot)

Implicit rules What is considered ok by the players/game Subjective for different players Changes over time

Discussion Is it ok to allow games which is based on killing other people, when games are looking and feeling more and more real

Discussion If we want to make a game as free as possible Should we allow bullying, stealing, killing, torturing or raping in a game where there is a culprit and a victim? Who should draw the line, and where

Discussion Protecting people from harassment and foul language Toontown Speedchat / only emotes Safe friendlist Restrictive interaction vs protection

Discussion Self running Bots have shown to ruin gameplay for the serious gamers and making them leave the game Blizzard created “the Warden” A program that scans what programs you are currently running and sending it back to Blizzard Privacy vs protecting the game

Discussion “Easy” access to accounts 50€ for the game, 10€ a month = 200€ for 15 months of play Not counting the hours spent playing the character(s)