Big Brother Is Watching You – in Your MMO??

Traditionally, one of the highest values in the U.S. – especially out West – was respect for privacy. What went on in someone’s home, what or who they were before – as long as it didn’t violate our personal rights or threatened our safety, it wasn’t our concern. Believe it or not, U.S. Americans actually prided themselves on this philosophy – once upon a time…

Now, THEY are watching YOU, anywhere and everywhere – yes, even in the virtual world of MMORPGs.

Most players don’t realize that game administrators watch their every move – ostensibly, to enhance game play and control cheating (yeah, right).  Players often monitor each other, justifying it in the name of “protecting” their own digital personas. And, of course, parents who monitor their children’s online activity (which – in the case of young children and teens – is their legal right and responsibility, especially in social-networking environments where, sadly, predators abound).

While game administrators’  monitoring does help to keep the game honest by preventing cheating and player on player harassment, , one should know that data is being “mined” – and is being stored, probably permanently. Also know that when players use unauthorized software to spy on other players, they risk being banned – as well they should.

The challenge for us as a society is to use our new tools wisely, and seek a middle ground that balances the good of the many with the rights of the individual.

In the meantime, Christopher Dodds of the School of Creative Media at RMIT University is doing some research on this issue. What’s YOUR feeling on in-game monitoring? How much does it impact the game? Read on to check out the survey and give your insight on the matter!.

Traditionally, one of the highest values in the U.S. – especially out West – was respect for privacy. What went on in someone’s home, what or who they were before – as long as it didn’t violate our personal rights or threatened our safety, it wasn’t our concern. Believe it or not, U.S. Americans actually prided themselves on this philosophy – once upon a time…

Now, THEY are watching YOU, anywhere and everywhere – yes, even in the virtual world of MMORPGs.

Most players don’t realize that game administrators watch their every move – ostensibly, to enhance game play and control cheating (yeah, right).  Players often monitor each other, justifying it in the name of “protecting” their own digital personas. And, of course, parents who monitor their children’s online activity (which – in the case of young children and teens – is their legal right and responsibility, especially in social-networking environments where, sadly, predators abound).

While game administrators’  monitoring does help to keep the game honest by preventing cheating and player on player harassment, , one should know that data is being “mined” – and is being stored, probably permanently. Also know that when players use unauthorized software to spy on other players, they risk being banned – as well they should.

The challenge for us as a society is to use our new tools wisely, and seek a middle ground that balances the good of the many with the rights of the individual.

In the meantime, Christopher Dodds of the School of Creative Media at RMIT University is doing some research on this issue. What’s YOUR feeling on in-game monitoring? How much does it impact the game? Read on to check out the survey and give your insight on the matter!.