Abstract

FORTIM, Ivelise. Alice in “through the looking glass”: The MUD - game and virtual reality based on text. Imaginario [online]. 2006, vol.12, n.12, pp. 171-194. ISSN 1413-666X.

This paper is about how the youth has been connected with new technologies, mainly electronic games. Firstly, it is presented conceptions of Youth and its behavior, and then, a discussion about electronic games, especially a game called MUD (Multi User Dungeon). This game is based on a medieval adventure, which the user has to fight against virtual monsters, looking for treasures. This program works through textual descriptions, and it allows communication among several players who are connected in it. MUD shows characteristics as a Game, a Virtual Reality, and a Virtual Community. Concerning the Game, it was examined why the youngsters are attracted to it, and also it was verified what kind of game it is. MUD can also be classified as a Virtual Reality, and the players can use it in two ways: as a Psychological Space or a place to live an Adventure. Then, there is a discussion about why MUD can be considered as a virtual community. Finally, there is a comparison between MUD and the tale “Alice through the looking glass”, considering the MUD player as Alice, who ventures in a magical world. The players, like Alice, go to a virtual world, where they can venture, and then they can live their ordinary lives with the presence of friends from the magical world.

Keywords : MUD; Virtual Reality; Electronic games; Youth; Virtual communities.