BLOG 8: SOCIAL GAMING
Social Gaming is climbing the ranks in reference to the way we communicate as we push further into the future of online media. It can be defined as ‘those games specially made for, and profiting from, social network sites like Facebook.’ (Jones, L, 2014)
Whilst they are becoming more popular, many are uncertain as to what social gaming is, and what it means for the future of communication.
(Zynga, 2015)
Farmville is one of the largest known social gaming sites that is connected with Facebook. The game allows users to grow their own virtual farm, thus meaning growing crops and taking care of farm animals. Socially, it allows users to send gifts to one another, and help cultivate a friend’s farm when they cannot.
Between August 2009 and December 2010, Farmville claimed the spot of ‘top game’ as it had the most daily users. However, the game stemmed further from its origin on the social networking site, and branched out to retail ties with 7-Eleven. This in turn allowed them to expand even further, partnering with the iconic music star Lady Gaga to create ‘GagaVilla.’
More information can be found here: https://zynga.com/games/farmville
Runescape
(Reynolds, M, 2011)
Runescape, much in comparison to the widely popular game World of War Craft, is an online social game that allows the user to create a character and play as them in a virtual world. The user is given the opportunity to build upon their current status as there are different levels of progression to the game. Moreover, they are able to gain skills, undergo challenges and be awarded achievements whilst interacting with others.
“RuneScape is, according to the Guinness World Records, the world's most popular free-to-play MMORPG, with over 200 million players over its lifetime. What that means, exactly, is that more than 220 million player accounts have been created since RuneScape launched in 2001.” (Yin-Poole, W, 2013)
More information can be found here: http://services.runescape.com/m=rswiki/en/Beginners%27_Guide?jptg=ia&jptv=navbar
What does this mean for communication?
“Social interaction between members of multiplayer communities shares similarities to interaction in face-to-face groups. Shared values and goals are the basis on which a shared understanding and a sense of community are built on.” (How Does Online Gaming Affect Social Interactions?, 2007)
As stated above, whilst we are not communicating face to face, we are still harbouring the foundation of what communication is. A common interest that is shared between a individuals.
References:
- How Does Online Gaming Affect Social Interactions?, 2007, Science Daily, viewed 28 January 2015, from <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/09/070915110957.htm>
- Jones, L, 2014, ‘Week 10: Social Gaming: Playing the Crowd’, Communities MDA 20009, Blackboard, Swinburne University of Technology, viewed 28 Jan 2015.
- Reynolds, M, 2011, ‘RuneScape’, Exclusive: 'RuneScape' new logo, website - first look, Digital Spy, viewed 28 January 2015, from <http://www.digitalspy.com.au/gaming/news/a352083/runescape-new-logo-website-first-look.html#~p2CMB0cBHooXAZ>
- Yin-Poole, W, 2013, ‘ Runescape 3 attracts over 300,000 new players, Eurogamer.net, viewed 28 January 2015, from <http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-09-06-runescape-3-attracts-over-300-000-new-players>
- Zynga, 2015, ‘FarmVille’, FarmVilla, Zynga, viewed 28 January 2015, from <https://zynga.com/games/farmville>

















