Reality 2.0

It’s no secret that MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) have become incredibly popular over the last few years. Since their inception as text-based, shareware programs, MMORPGs have expanded into a multi-billion dollar industry. One of the most popular games these days is World of Warcraft by California based company Blizzard. With over seven million people around the world playing World of Warcraft on a regular basis, the game has become an international phenomenon engrossing the minds of all types of people around the globe.

Far more than just a game, World of Warcraft (WoW) weaves the player into an intricate social web, valuing real-life characteristics such as morality, honor, and camaraderie in order to advance in the game. Updated regularly, the persistent of WoW is able to engross players so deeply that oftentimes they will forgo real-world tasks in order to obtain the next weapon or level.

A recent article in Newsweek predicts that the success of WoW only foreshadows the popularity this game and its successors will achieve in the future. The line between reality and virtual reality will become thinner as technology advances until every player can have a personalized virtual paradise.

Until now, real-world advertising has been absent in WoW and similar games, but don’t expect this trend to continue. As seven million players turns into 70 million, advertising space in these games should be available in the near future with other marketing opportunities following close behind.