Task 9

I have learned that video games can be used as another means of expressing issues that exist in the real world. My understanding of virtual worlds has not changed at all through this course. I still find virtual world games like second life completely different then what real life is like. However, I can now see why people would use games like second life to escape from their actual life. It is a fantasy and they can be whoever they want to be without anyone judging them by what they actually look like in real life. I still don't understand why people get so involved in games like these. from my own experience playing second life, I can play it and leave it on the computer without a care in the world about what happens to my character in the game. I had people judge me based on my character in the game. It feels wierd because that is not me. Second Life and games like it are all on a 2 dimensional surface that can break down at anytime. Real life is completely 3 dimensional and playing second life maybe like living a fantasy life but it is also living a lie to. It is an addiction just like gambling and smoking.

I have learned that even playing a game there is always a message behind it. No matter what platform the video game is on, whether it is Playstation or the computer there are issues surrounding the game such as gender, identity and race.

Part 2:

Some concluding thoughts for my paper are that video games being online can make everyone aware in any country about cultural and social issues in other countries. By playing these games people can become educated and understand life in specific countries in certain situations. Players can also learn how hard it is to live in poverty. For example when I played Ayiti I kept going in debt after each year and 4 of the family members died because the strategy I was using did not provide the family with enough money for treatment.