• ISBN13: 9780226096278
  • Condition: NEW
  • Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.

Product Description
From EverQuest to World of Warcraft, online games have evolved from the exclusive domain of computer geeks into an extraordinarily lucrative staple of the entertainment industry. People of all ages and from all walks of life now spend thousands of hours—and dollars—partaking in this popular new brand of escapism. But the line between fantasy and reality is starting to blur. Players have created virtual societies with governments and economies of their own whose … More >>

Synthetic Worlds: The Business and Culture of Online Games

5 Responses to “Synthetic Worlds: The Business and Culture of Online Games”

  • H. Halvorsen says:

    It is impossible to change the address when you first have placed the purchase. It makes it difficult when you the moment you buy the book discover that you made an error (wrong address), and then it is already to late to change the address. What can you do? Probably nothing, other than accept that you lost your money, and buy the book elsewhere.
    Rating: 1 / 5

  • Mario Gerosa says:

    Edward Castronova is quite a myth for anyone interested in the culture of virtual worlds. He is some sort of a profeth: a great professor of economics who dares and bets on the business of synthetic worlds.

    His studies are great stuff and this book is a reference, from the first to the last line. I pre-ordered it since I saw it on Amazon, and when I received it, I was not deceived: it is one of my favourite books, on the same shelf of Borges and Calvino.

    It is a very rich book, the kind of book I would take on a desert island. Naturally, on a virtual desert island, like the one of Project Entropia.
    Rating: 5 / 5

  • John says:

    I read this book, not having much experience in virtual gaming, and found this book to be quie a revelation. There’s so much going on in this world behind the scenes that it’s scary and fascinating at the same time. I recommend this book for anyone who is already into this sort of thing, as well as for those who are curious about what computer technology is doing to change the way we live.
    Rating: 5 / 5

  • Rodrigo Abdo says:

    To be honest I was expecting more on this book.It didnt tell all the info I wanted to know and the author focus too much on 2D games like Everquest and not so much in 3D games like Second Life.In most of the book the author is a little superficial in his analysis,he could go deeper.However the book is good for people who wanna have a general idea about on line games,specially Everquest,World of Warcraft and Star Wars.
    Rating: 3 / 5

  • Kron says:

    Dr. Ted Castronova is a remarkable man with startlingly clear vision and profound insight into an increasingly important aspect of modern society, the blending of the real world with synthetic worlds. It is an amalgam that will doubtlessly endure and thrive, and which Dr. Castronova explores and explains in a way that’s as fun and intriguing as his subject. Whether you’re just virtual-curious or a true believer, time spent reading this book is time well spent. Wish I’d written it.
    Rating: 5 / 5

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