For The Win!

For The Win by Corey Doctorow describes and highlights the situation and problems that can go wrong with our future society if the gaming industry monopolizes the economy. Both virtual and real worlds are merged into one as people can now make a living through either worlds, unions are formed, and most of the real-life problems we face now be seen in the virtual. Each of the main characters came from different social and cultural backgrounds but is somehow connected through MMORPGs. Their connection sparked more than just friendship but strong camaraderie through fighting corporate monopoly and union aggression. Towards the end of the story, lives were sacrificed but everything was revealed by the media.

The book has many inferences of the day to day news we hear about third-world country working conditions as well as children of wealthy family that are suffering from gaming. It made me quite uncomfortable which in this case is a compliment because it shows how realistic the novel is perceived. Back to the concept of gold farming, don’t we all start asking ourselves… where do these game currencies come from when in-game avatars messages you about a sweet deal for 10million xxx? I started thinking of Mathew’s unfortunate situation.

The second half of the novel deals with the main protagonists fighting together to make a difference. With Leonard illegally entering China to assist with the effort, these players, activists, and workers united to initiate their ultimatum against the corporate giants. Later, China reacted to this problem by raiding these hideouts and killing people. With blood stained on the officials, media now has the power to put everything to an end.

Overall, the novel is compelling because of the social issues it made me realize. Maybe I am over analyzing this but things like Chinese violence against civilian (1989 Tiananmen square massacre), Gold farmers in China (the stereotype we have as a society), gaming addiction (the situation of the other protagonists), and several others. If that was the intention of the author then this book should really be a bestseller.

Q: Do you think this could be reality without all the dramatization?