Modding and Culture in World of Warcraft (slides:) Yong Ming Kow Ph.D. Student, Department of Informatics Advisor: Bonnie Nardi Donald Bren School of Information and Computer Sciences University of California, Irvine

Abstract

Why is China producing less innovation but emerges as a manufacturing powerhouse? Why is U.S. able to sustain high level if innovativeness? Through a tiny ecology of modding communities in World of Warcraft (WoW), we found cultural dynamics that gave us clues to the answers. Modders create mods, or addons, for WoW. And WoW is the same game in both countries. China has 5.5 million players. U.S. has 2.5 million. However, Chinese modders developed far less original mods, even though was able to remain highly effective in production and providence. This tiny ecology might have mimic a more generic cultural effects on creativity and technology.

 

Bio

Yong Ming Kow is studying modding communities in World of Warcraft. His work brought him to modders in Chinese cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, and Chinese small towns: Xiuyan, Shihezi, and U.S. locations: Disney, and northern California!

Prior to joining UCI, he was a consultant doing design ethnography for multinationals. He graduated with a Master of Engineering in Singapore focusing on Human Computer Interaction.

The current study is being performed with Bonnie Nardi as his advisor. He is currently in his second year of PhD.