Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Convergence Markets: Virtual [Corpo]Reality, Tracy Harwood, Tony Garry, Russell Belk

Markets, Globalization & Development Review

This paper reflects on the growing trend in the computer games sector towards multi-user social gaming that transcends media platforms. Technological advancements enable embodiment of game-based assets by players who use their ludic affordances to extend experiences into other virtual spaces. In effect, this constitutes a convergence of markets derived from different forms of media content. We comment on the game-to-virtual corporeal transcendence, discussing the cultural context of the game and its impacts on players (consumers) who interact in virtual communities using the device of an avatar.