Vocino Labs

I used to think I might be developing Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Now I don’t think I really have it, except for thinking maybe I do every now and then just from reading something about it. Sort of like getting a papercut and going to WebMD — suddenly you think you have all this crazy worst-case-scenario stuff.

Anyway, after 0wning some n00bz with my World of Warcraft shadow-priest, I ran to the nearest city to repair my gear. I go to jump the fence like I normally do, only this time I timed it incorrectly and kind of.. half-stepped on it and walked over it. That’s when I found myself in an interesting situation.

For some reason, without even realizing it, I ran around and jumped it… the correct way. I didn’t even realize it until after I had done it.

So now I wonder, does this virtual world have virtual OCD characters? Or, more importantly, do OCD people that play World of Warcraft encounter these types of cyber-rituals while running around Azeroth?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a psychiatric disorder; more specifically, it is an anxiety disorder. OCD is manifested in a variety of forms, but it is most commonly characterized by a subject’s obsessive, distressing, intrusive thoughts and related compulsions (tasks or rituals) which attempt to neutralize the obsessions.

Are there people that have to touch the auctioneer 5 times before running through the gates of Stormwind? And when they run through the gates, their little character’s feet can’t touch the texture that represents the big crack in the stone? How awesome! Right?

Am I the only one that has considered this?

Newsweek has published a three page article asking whether World of Warcraft is more than just a game. Though some spend their time in WoW grinding, others take a break from the monotony of gaming to interact with others from the community in a meaningful way.

From the article:

Generally, though, players of the game enjoy a form of community rarely seen in the real world; higher-level players go out of their way to tutor newbies and accompany them on quests. Deep friendships are forged. Relationships begin that flower into marriage, with Tauren brides and Undead grooms tying the knot in some virtual tavern in Thunder Bluff.

I guess the question is, does a game become more when people do more than play to win, or is this just an added feature?

Read the full article: Living a Virtual Life