Blizzard Activision, a US games developer, is facing worldwide litigation related to its proposed acquisition by Microsoft. The company has also fallen out with its Chinese distributor, NetEase. These issues have resulted in the loss of access to their flagship product, World of Warcraft, for the estimated three million players in China. This loss has had significant psychological effects, as players form attachments to the virtual world and experience emotions similar to those experienced in the physical world. Digital worlds are not just places for gaming but also spaces for socializing and work. The loss of a digital world can elicit deep sadness and a desire for things to return to how they were, demonstrating the same response as losing something in the physical world. It is important to accept and acknowledge the loss while recognizing that all things change.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worldwide litigation and disputes | Legal and business | Increased regulation and scrutiny of tech acquisitions, potential shifts in power dynamics in the gaming industry | Legal and financial considerations |
| Loss of access to World of Warcraft in China | Access and connectivity | Enhanced efforts to restore access, potential backlash against Blizzard Activision, growth of alternative MMO games in China | Litigation and disputes, cultural and political differences |
| Emotional investment in virtual worlds | Emotional attachment and loss | Greater awareness and recognition of the emotional impact of virtual worlds, potential for stronger regulations on gaming industry | Psychological and social factors, growing recognition of mental health issues |
| Recognition of online experiences | Perception and importance | Increased acknowledgement of the impact of online experiences on mental well-being and emotional states | Awareness of cyberbullying and online crimes, changing cultural norms |
| Response to loss of digital worlds | Psychological reactions | Greater understanding and support for individuals experiencing grief and loss in virtual worlds | Recognition of the similarities between physical and digital worlds, empathy |
| Acceptance of change | Coping with loss | Promoting acceptance and resilience in the face of changing circumstances, embracing the impermanence of digital worlds | Shift in societal attitudes towards change and impermanence |