This may seem like a far fetched idea/prediction, but I think it's highly possible and I think it may even come into being!

After playing Grand Theft Auto:Vice City (the brilliant game sit is) I have come to the conclusion that one virtually lives one the game! The city is almost autonomous (cops chase criminals, and people seem to be going about their daily lives etc). There is nothing stopping a game being created on the internet where people do live out their lives, i.e. they have a job on the game that they must do, they have a home to go to, they must shop and clean etc, and there is nothing to stop this expanding into a real living city where buildings are designed and built (by the players who have such jobs), and then taken over by companies, and used as a means of production, etc.

This will correspond (in the real world) to the underclass living the lives we now know, i.e. real products being made and real buildings being designed and built, while the 'upper' classes live out a virtual reality life on the internet, for their whole life! Incomes can be generated within the game, as can revenues for businesses, and I can see no reason why those who do not have to work, cannot have a virtual reality life on the internet (should such a 'game' be created).

It's just a thought, but I think it's highly possible (as I've said). So what do you think?? Unlikely, not possible, what?? :)

... have you been living in a hole?

It's already beginning, just do a google search for 'massively multiplayer online strategy' or similar

One example is Star Wars: Galaxies, look that up!

Technology has matured enough to support this kind of thing, and it's going to be the next entertainment revolution, mark my words.

Going to work? Cleaning shops? Hardly the stuff a sucessful online game.... think bigger.

Think authentic WWII simulation with players taking all levels in the chains of command and taking the war in their own direction.

Think being part of a simulated colonisation of a alien world or something.

I guess it's going that way..no matter how pathetic... It's like masturbation. Pathetic in that some people can't find enjoyment in the real world (no reference to you guys personally.)

As much simlated happiness as games have brought me, I'm never smiling when I look back at all of the time I've wasted. Especially when I could have gotten laid or something. It's why I've deleted all of the 'real' games off of my computer. Including civilization 3. I might play some chess or tuxracer now and then. But never anything more

It's a good observation, and I think that some games - even some lives - may go in that direction. Maybe because our half of the world has become such a boring place. I'll never join, though :)

As much simlated happiness as games have brought me, I'm never smiling when I look back at all of the time I've wasted I agree! Playing games can be very entertaining, especially playing online in multi-players, but I got rid of my playstation for this reason too; I was spending too much time on it and not living enough.

Venomx I see your point but the point I was trying to make was this. While going to work on a game etc may not be particularly entertaining, World War strategies etc. can not really effectively be played twenty four/seven, while a living breathing city will be self-sustaining! With all the destruction a war game brings, there must be something that is needed to rebuilt all this, however this is done automatically by the computer. Thus there are breaks in the game while settings are created etc. A city of some kind woudln't need this. That's all.

When one cannot "get out" as you say then these games do help pass the time of day rather quickly. I think that everything is just fine as long as it's done in moderation. I cannot get out as much as I use to so I find a few games online that I play are enjoyable and entertaining to a degree. I'm very happy about having my PC and really do enjoy learning from it, I'm in an online college, and from the communication it brings me.

*hacks your online life*