Gaming Interventions > The World of Warcraft Psychogeographical Association

Based on the Situationists' notion of the drift, The World of Warcraft Psychogeographical Association looks at the virtual physical environment inside WoW and its impact on the emotions and decision making of the player inside it. Instead of following obvious footpaths, clearly defined flight-paths, and roadways - my avatar flies up waterfalls, follows rabbits for hours while memorizing their movement cycles, finds objects in the landscape that are accidentally transparent and experiments with them, and attempts to defy the geographical barriers created inside the game - frequently resulting in the dreadful phenomenon called "getting stuck." The project is an investigation into this massively multiplayer virtual space which appears to have more in common with physical public social spaces than with most video games. Acting as The World of Warcraft Psychogeographical Association, Angela Washko frequently invites other players on site-responsive adventures and expressive play experiences that operate outside of the quest structure of the game.