Creating Second Lives

Exploring virtual identities and communities, Creating Second Lives examines how gamers construct alternative realities in online environments.

This book delves into the intricate construction of virtual identities and communities, specifically within the realms of online environments like Second Life and Massively Multiplayer Online Games such as World of Warcraft. The authors adopt a multi-disciplinary approach to explore how gamers and residents of these virtual spaces create alternative online realities. Through their examination, they highlight the importance of understanding the body in cyberspace and the concept of spatiality, which is reflected in both natural and constructed environments.

In Creating Second Lives, the contributors come from diverse academic backgrounds including media, communication, cultural studies, and literary studies. They tackle a range of topics related to identity, community, and gender, alongside the dynamics of spatiality. This comprehensive exploration is enriched by various methodological approaches, ranging from theoretical contemplation to social semiotics and corpus-based discourse analysis. The book seeks to provide a well-rounded perspective on how virtual spaces influence and shape individual and collective identities.

Ultimately, Creating Second Lives invites readers to consider the implications of their virtual experiences and the narratives they construct within these digital realms. By examining the interplay between identity and environment, this work contributes to a deeper understanding of the social and cultural fabric of online communities. It serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in the complexities of virtual life and identity formation in contemporary society.