The underlying concept of a nerd has always been someone who is smart and socially inept. But the subject of a nerd’s obsession has changed with the ages. America has witnessed the age of “Star Wars,” “Star Trek” and many others. With the advances in technology, particularly in the internet and gaming world, the current obsession among nerds is the computer game “World of WarCraft”.
“World of WarCraft” by Blizzard is an MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) set in the fictional world called Azeroth which is populated by gnomes, elves, orcs and many other races. The game developers of “World of Warcraft”, Blizzard, has created such phenomenal gaming hits such as “StarCraft”. “StarCraft” alone brought millions of dollars to the Blizzard company and has a cult following around the world especially in East Asia. In South Korea, “StarCraft” has become an unofficial national sport where games are televised live and professional gamers can earn up to $200,000 dollars annually. “World of WarCraft” has an even larger following. According to the Blizzard website, “World of WarCraft” has over seven million active subscribers and counting.
To understand what makes “World of WarCraft” so appealing, one has to understand the concept of the massively multiplayer online role-playing game. In MMORPG’s the player creates a character and literally lives a virtual life and complete quests in an online world with millions of other players for a nominal monthly fee. “World of WarCraft” is considered among many gamers to be the shining example of this genre of gaming.
“All other MMORPG’s tend to be cookie cut,” said Mike Licursi, 21, business and administration major at Moorpark College and avid “World of Warcraft” player. “What’s so appealing about ‘World of WarCraft’ is that each player can be different from other players. And it can also be a casual gamer’s game if you want it to be. Most MMORPG’s require eight to ten hours while ‘World of Warcraft can be enjoyed with just two to four hours a day.”
In all the excitement, players sometimes take their gaming experience too far and achieve a level of obsession that can be described as a severe case of addiction. In June of 2005, it was reported that a child had died because of neglect from her “World of WarCraft” addicted parents. Studies show that forty percent of the seven million World of Warcraft players are addicted.
“I know people that play eighteen to twenty hours straight without sleep, without food and without water and it’s kinda scary,” said Licursi. “It pretty much is internet cocaine.”
But most players, like Licursi, play for fun and don’t let it interfere with their lives.
“I really don’t feel addicted to it,” said Licursi. “If I feel that anything I value is in danger, I will quit. I play to have fun and that’s how I see it.”
With the expansion of “World of WarCraft: The Burning Crusade” due for release in Nov. 28, Blizzard is expecting a significant increase of new and returning players.
Click the video link below for an exclusive video interview with Mike Licursi.
