Shakespeare coming to a virtual world

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Castronova "has given great examples of ways you can use existing MMOs to do experiments that you can't do in real life, because history doesn't usually allow for parallel universes," said Dibbell, who along with Castronova, is a founding author of the virtual-worlds blog Terra Nova. "I buy into (the petri dish argument) as a plausible hypothesis that should be tested."

However, Dibbell also cautioned that anyone hoping to capitalize on the behavior of gamers should be cautious.

"The experimental subjects have minds of their own and desires of their own, especially when they think they're there to have a good time," said Dibbell. "It can be very tough to just change things at will (in a virtual world). To tweak the parameters and circumstances. But I trust that that is what (Castronova) is working on, and he understands those things."

The game will instantly immerse players in Elizabethan environments, and successful players will, it is hoped, soak in the characters, as well as the plotlines, of Shakespeare's plays.

Castronova is utilizing unusual methods to achieve that goal.

He said one of the more unique elements of "Arden" is that the game will be seeded with Shakespearean texts, many of which will be the most valuable treasure players can find.

"If you collect the 'To be or not be' speech and then take it to a lore master or to a skilled bard, he can then apply the magic to your broad sword or you (could) utilize the magic in a battle situation to give you this massive (advantage)," Castronova explained. "So there (will be) this intensive competition to get the best speeches of Shakespeare in your play book.

"You've got to know your Shakespeare, but...if you do, collect these texts and you can just playfully kick butt the way wizards do."

To Aaron Delwiche, an assistant professor of communications at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, who has conducted classes in the virtual world " Second Life," Castronova is onto something as a learning tool.

"I think it would be a fantastic learning tool and it really builds on the key principle of education in virtual worlds," Delwiche said. "And that's the notion of situated learning...The idea that what you're talking about, situating people in a world rather than trying to explain something to people, gives them a feeling that they are part of (something)."

Meanwhile, Linda Charnes, a professor of English and a Shakespeare scholar at Indiana University, thinks "Arden" presents an exciting teaching opportunity, even as it presents real risks in terms of helping people learn about the works of Shakespeare.

Charnes, who is donating her time to consult with Castronova on Shakespearean questions, said she likes the idea of game players spending their time learning.

"Shakespearean studies in the future, especially for young people, (are) going to have to take some different forms," Charnes said, "and this might be one way to introduce" the discipline.

She also said she thinks "Arden," if properly realized, could become a useful multimedia tool for venues like London's Globe Theater.

But she also warned that Castronova and his team have to be careful in how they build "Arden."

"What's Shakespearean about Shakespeare is not the plot, it's the characters," Charnes said. "What the 'Arden' project will want to avoid is simply becoming something that borrows plots and character names from Shakespeare plays...Because if it (does) that, there's nothing Shakespearean about it."

Still, Charnes said she is optimistic about "Arden."

"I can imagine being an ambassador for this project," she said, "in the world of Shakespearean theater and scholarship."

[Lizard_SF]

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