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How Massive Multiplayer Online Games Incorporate Principles of Economics

TechTrends volume 54, pages 29–35 (2010)Cite this article

Abstract

Games have always been a part of the human experience. Even the earliest of civilizations created games for enjoyment and entertainment. However, the educational value of those games is a relatively recent consideration. Over the previous fifty years, scholars have questioned the potential positive lessons learned from games such as Monopoly®, Scrabble®, and sports. While millions of children participate in these activities, a new type of gaming has emerged over the previous decade and is quickly surpassing other gaming formats. Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMORPGS), such as World of Warcraft and Diablo, now have millions of players; however, the potential educational influence of these games is relatively unknown. This article presents an exploration of one potential educational strand – economic theory – that these types of games may facilitate.

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By Joshua H. Barnett and Leanna Archambault

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By Joshua H. Barnett and Leanna Archambault. How Massive Multiplayer Online Games Incorporate Principles of Economics. TECHTRENDS TECH TRENDS 54, 29–35 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-010-0451-y

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Keywords

  • Economics
  • Gaming
  • Integration
  • Learning In Technology
  • MMOG
  • Virtual Worlds