Boys' Play in the Fourth Space: Freedom of Movements in a Tween Virtual World

摘要: Over a decade ago, Henry Jenkins [17] wrote “‘Complete freedom of movement’: Video Games as gendered play spaces” in which he argued that video games provide contemporary alternative to the out doors movement boys historically accessed. operate like ‘fourth space’ (a term coined by Van Vliet), muchneeded adult-supervised and structured spaces home, schools playgrounds [48]. These findings echoed work many developmental psychologists others who have long understood children’s access particular is [33, 43, 46]. We draw on Jenkins’ understanding “freedom movement” psychologists’ research into gender examine boys’ within Whyville.net, virtual world had 1.5 million registered users between ages 8 16 at time our study. While we lot quantitative information about worlds, know little qualitatively how they play. This stands contrast nuanced understandings why girls women do or not play, Our goal was extend notion differ from console players are responsible for constructing much content often lack finite story [6]. Combining qualitative methods, analyzed logfile data 595 involved online gaming over sixmonth period. Twenty-one also participated an afterschool club with offline spaces. looked activity frequencies across 13 categories qualitatively, supplementing field notes, interviews, video. Three case studies boy were developed, each player representing different level expertise participation (core, semi-core, peripheral). In extending address navigation process geographical, personal social dimensions. view these along three dimensions; mobility space, control space. An overview day-to-day activities Whyville discussion their establishment “home bases,” used platforms further exploration Whyville, shows commonalities overviews supplemented in-depth analyses show differences connected varying levels expertise. The fact bases” where settle greater lesser periods compelling contrasts perpetual motion playing games. It previous emphasized closer home while ventured afield. Along dimensions found echoes characteristics historical outdoors monster chasing Finally, it difficult compare dimension because possibilities offered through avatar design more expansive than ability choose set number stock characters increased importance body image relation masculinity evident attention design. conclude worlds allow movement, but slightly ways Without able place emphasis create adventures interaction one another space simultaneously, rather following prescribed adventure.