Virtual worlds threaten 'values'

[TechBear_Seattle]

Puttnam merits an article in the Wikipedia (here.) He certainly does not seem like the typical rich American who whines about values. And frankly, I think he makes some very good points.

Virtual worlds threaten 'values'

Oscar-winning film-maker (David Terence) Lord Puttnam gave the opening keynote speech at the Virtual Worlds Forum held in London from 23-26 October.

In his speech Lord Puttnam voiced fears about the many game worlds that have sprung up which tie access to the virtual world to the purchase of a toy.

Webkinz, Funkeys, BarbieGirls, TyGirlz and many others are all virtual worlds created and run by toy makers.

"Are we absolutely sure that this is the very best we can offer young people?" he asked. "Do we really want them to think of themselves as not much more than consumers?"

He said: "Might we not prefer to build worlds that encourage those same values and skills we wish them to exercise in the real world?"

"The challenge ahead is this - to ensure that virtual worlds are increasingly places that offer real meaning to their lives and in the real world to learn from the sense of community and collaboration that's been experienced in virtual worlds," he said.

The full article can be read at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7061641.stm

[electron_blue]

1. I really wish there were virtual worlds like the ones he describes. I'm sick of Webkinz, etc.

[WinkyDink]

2. BUYING ="those same values and skills we wish them to exercise in the real world...."

Get with the American game plan, Lord Puttnam!

[DS1]

3. I've helped build one of these worlds

and this guy has a point, but not many facts.