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I usually try to keep this blog kinda academic, bringing in my experience as a game researcher into the topics I see discussed in the general blogosphere. When it comes to feminism in WoW, I find it hard to stay detached and distanced. As a WoW player and feminist, it just gets a bit personal.
So, [...]

Recently returned from the Games+Learning+Society conferance I find myself quite motivated to think about games in a different way. Not in terms of theory or definition, but in terms of how they can be used.
Taking one step further from arguing how games can teach us something, it was great to see how games were actually [...]

For a while now I have been blogging specifically about WoW related topics, going into details, news and other current events in the WoW community – and by doing so also directing the blog towards a WoW playing audience. While I still enjoy ranting in writing about the things I see, experience and discuss with [...]

If your WoW account recently expired (or you never got one), you would have missed out on the GearScore phenomenon. GearScore (GS) is simply put an addon (user made software modification) that assess the quality of  other players gear at a glance, providing you with a score that indicate the level of items that player [...]

The latest report from Activision Blizzard could tell us that apparently only 30% of new WoW players make it past level 10. While we know little of how this compare to other MMOs, it does strike me at somewhat low. So, why don’t people keep playing? Isn’t WoW supposed to be this banale game even [...]

In the last month or so, after ditching raiding for random and casual leveling, I’ve come across a well of different types of players. Engaging myself in both PuGs and BGs, joining different guilds and hanging around in big cities at off hours, the players I have encountered is somewhat different to those I met [...]

It dawns on you as the battle tethers to an end and you retreat battered and bruised to your corner. It’s a rather painful realization. Far from a proud moment, the insight strikes at full force:
That QQ was my fault.
Not only was it my fault, but it was way over the top. I simply [...]

What grabbed me about the latest patch notes was how a point of great contention and discussion (loot), were now becoming part of a more elaborate system. Larger player structures such as guilds will not really notice the difference, but for those using random groups to complete 5 man content – or even just uses [...]

With 3.3 drawing closer by the second I am torn in two directions. To play or not to play… Once more the gamer and the researcher in me are not agreeing.
One part tells me to use this patch to finalize the gathering of data, to finish off some interviews, get some footage from raids and [...]

“Dear Devs
Games are easier then ever, allowing everyone and their mom to complete them and get access to all kinds of game content. You no longer have to work for your rewards. Flexibility and focus on pleasure is taking away from the real gaming. This is ruining both MY play experience, but also the purity [...]