Designing Virtual Worlds: Volume I [Hardcover]

Designing Virtual Worlds, authored by a true pioneer, stands as the most comprehensive examination of virtual-world design ever written. This seminal work is a tour de force, remarkable for its intellectual breadth, encompassing the literary, economic, sociological, psychological, physical, technological, and ethical foundations of virtual worlds. It provides readers with a profound, well-grounded understanding of essential design principles.

This first volume presents a rich, well-developed exploration of the foundational concepts underpinning virtual worlds. Tracing the evolution of such games from their inception, it draws upon examples ranging from the earliest MUDs to today's expansive MMORPGs. It elucidates fundamental design precepts often forgotten in the development of new games.

No other book on online games or virtual worlds matches the level of detail, historical context, and conceptual depth found in Designing Virtual Worlds.

Designing Virtual Worlds?stands as the most comprehensive examination of virtual-world design ever written. This seminal work is a tour de force, remarkable for its intellectual breadth, encompassing the literary, economic, sociological, psychological, physical, technological, and ethical foundations of virtual worlds.

It is impossible to understand the origins of todays fully immersive online existence without reflecting on the achievements of Richard Bartle. He conceived internet-based co-location, then willed it into existence  as an undergraduate in a small British university. Like Bede at Yarrow, from a perch distant from the intellectual centers of his time, he wrote a book read by many, one that helped define the very idea of media-in-common. It is the book you are holding in your digital hands.

--?Edward Castronova,?Professor of Media, Indl£2