Napster Founder Crafting WoW Community

Gamespot reports on Napster founder Shawn Fanning's newest project: an online community for MMOG players called Rupture. He's initially, sensibly, targeting World of Warcraft players with what's being described as 'MySpace for Azeroth'. From the article: "The [service] will pull data directly from WOW and publish stats and information on a personalized page. Gamers will also be able to instant message while playing, as well as track the progress of their guilds and organize playing time with their online buddies. Rupture will rely on ads for revenue and also focus on exchanging info on gamers' real lives, should they have one. WOW is the first game on the plate for Rupture, but no other titles have yet been mentioned. "

Actually..

[beldraen]

What I am surprised that hasn't happened is a WoW based dating site. Despite the myth, plenty of people who play have lives; however, plenty of us are also very busy between work, school, etc. I am long past any interest in bars nor people who ask, "what's an online game?" It's funny that people don't think twice about picking up chicks at bars, concerts, etc, but you're a wacko if you want to find someone who enjoys your entertainment on a computer.

On a side note, it's also noteworthy that while online games make us more connected, they really make us more distant. You end up meeting people with whom you'll never be able to meet up because they live a thousand s of miles away. I think a way to establish local groups and interests would be a great thing.

Like it or not, WoW is going mainstream.