Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games and Interaction

Abstract

This current study examines the need for operational definitions of the concept of interaction in distance education studies. It is proposed that a discourse analysis of linguistic features conversation noted as being representative of interaction can be used to operationalize interaction in synchronous CMC. This study goes on compare two different registers: an internet chat register, and a Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game register to explore the theoretical claim that such virtual world environments have higher levels of interaction. Overall findings exhibit that MMORPGs have higher amount of linguistic features characteristic of interaction. Evidence points to MMORPGs being more interactive and also supportive of collaborative interaction.