World of Warcraft, an online game of warriors and mages, dragons and beasts, adventures and quests, good and evil. A huge world is yours to explore and defend, with an amazing choice of armour, clothing, professions, mounts and talents. You are acknowledged and rewarded for your efforts and treated to festivals and events where millions of other players gather. With these as only a small portion of the things World of Warcraft has to offer, it is easy to see why most players become addicted. But my question is this: should it concern us that a make-believe world of magic, purple lands and jewelcrafting is often more enjoyable and enticing than the one in which we live?
In the lands of Warcraft, each and every player is able to learn new professions and skills, earn their own money, buy amazing armour and mounts. Each player is rewarded, honoured and respected for each new level they gain, which can make you feel empowered and successful. In a reality where it can be hard to earn the respect and admiration of others, World of Warcraft offers that opportunity and is yet another reason why players find themselves so transfixed.
In my opinion, a lot of the attraction to an online game such as this is that there are rules and guidelines that, should they be followed, will lead to success and rewards. In this world, there is no rule that states that we can be successful if we do certain things - even a large portion of those who study hard and graduate University are stuck in dead-end jobs, not able to make the rent, let alone get a mortgage - but in the virtual worlds, anything is possible: simply complete a quest and be rewarded; learn a new skill and earn your own money; attain a certain level and purchase your own mount, such as a horse or tiger. In the World of Warcraft, you can simply be whoever and whatever you want to be.
It is definitely sad that the things so many millions of people adore about this game are not a possibility in reality. It is sad that we cannot be united and work together. We cannot earn without major portions being taken out of our wages for unnecessary taxes. We can't lead the lives we crave. We can't be as in control.
In my experience, it is good to have something to look forward to in our lives, even if critics would say that a computer game shouldn't be that thing. It is my opinion that we should take every little bit of happiness and success we can, even if it is all virtual and actually stands for nothing in our every-day lives. We should embrace any way which allows us to escape from constant politics, mundane routines and lack of sparkle that summarizes most of our lives. We should live in another world if it allows us to be happy.
Of course, I wish we lived in a world that many millions didn't want to escape from. It would be amazing to live in a world that allowed us to become successful and appreciated. It would be wonderful if we were encouraged to soak-up every second of our lives and make the most of everything. But we can't - because this world isn't how it should be and that makes life difficult to enjoy.
To conclude, I will say that I can understand how eight million people have become addicted to an online game. I can see why so many people have needed to escape and be somebody else - and somewhere else - for a few hours a day. Finally, I understand how a computer can provide something more enticing than the lives we lead.
For information: World of Warcraft is available at an RRP of £34.99 plus a monthly subscription of approximately £9. There is also the optional expansion pack - The Burning Crusade - available at an RRP of £29.99.
