Piracy vs. control: models of virtual world governance and their impact on player and user experience

Abstract

Current models of governance of virtual worlds evolved from the Terms of Service developed by the virtual world content creators based upon intellectual property license models. Increasingly, however virtual world providers now seek to accommodate both the needs and interests of owners and users in order to respond to the evolving needs of the virtual world. However, domestic governments are also now taking greater interest in the activities within virtual communities. This article explores a range of governance models, and the competing interests at play within the virtual communities managed by such models, in order to consider whether there is a universally adaptable governance model. In particular it analyses the role and effectiveness of the Council of Stellar Management, the player representative committee in EVE. The article concludes that national governments should not impose significant regulation upon virtual communities, but rather should encourage the development and growth of such communities by prescribing minimum standards, such as standardisation and transparency of Terms of Service. Matters occurring within the virtual world environment should be dealt with in accordance with the established community norms and rules. Therefore, role play environments such as EVE should be allowed to encourage piratical and outlaw behaviour without offending domestic laws.