UC Irvine

Introduction. The paper is based on a transcript of a presentation given to ISIC2008. It concentrates on the findings from research into the gaming communities engaged in World of Warcraft. Methods. The research was carried out using the anthropological approach by playing the game, interviewing the players and analysing the game documentation and Internet resources. Findings. The mixed realities formed by the gaming communities from the physical spaces and virtual realities are similar to earlier mixed realities and can be comparable to libraries, dormitories, homes, etc. Information becomes a tool for community building and players are creating different tools not only for gathering and accessing information but also for sharing and communal usage. Conclusions. Video games as information spaces are moving to mixed reality spaces that fuse the virtual and physical. They accustom us to the constant monitoring that creates information and the culture that endorses freely sharing it.