Virtual Role-Playing Communities, "Wold" and World

Abstract

The increasing popularity of online role-playing games, and the virtual communities they create, are attracting much attention from business and academics. These virtual communities and environments provide invaluable opportunities for researchers to investigate various social and psychological aspects and issues. In this short article, we would like to share our views on some of these issues and opportunities in establishing a community identity with various virtual and real aspects, and transferring knowledge between these two aspects.