Cyberanthropology: Emerging Field?

Posted on March 1, 2005

Alan Meades, a student at Middlesex University, is conducting an interesting study of culture and gaming. He has posted a survey on his website as part of his post-graduate cyberanthropology research at Middlesex University, UK.

Meades is trying to determine how culture differences influence how people approach multiplayer online games. He is surveying players of Square-Enix's Final Fantasy XI -- as part of the study. Surveys forms are available on the site in both English and Japanese. About the study Meades writes:

This study aims to identify if people from different cultural backgrounds choose to play in different ways within virtual worlds. Simple questions such as: Do players from certain places bond with some game races more than others? How do people feel about leading or being led within parties? Do players enjoy working with people who speak different languages? What weapons do people prefer? take on added significance in this light, as they may begin to show cultural variation.