@inproceedings{174868701f6a4aeaa8c6ce1e3fb71fc6,
title = "Seeking the entanglement of immersion and emergence: Reflections from an analysis of the state of IS research on virtual worlds",
abstract = "This paper critically reviews the state of virtual world research within the Information Systems field; revealing areas of interest evident in research studies between 2007-2011, the methods employed to conduct such research, the theories/frameworks used to ground VW research, as well as reoccurring memes/concepts. We argue that virtual worlds are best interpreted as both an immersive and emergent co-creative process, 'performed' by users' actions and interactions both with other users and with artifacts such as virtual goods. Nevertheless, our analysis reveals a near neglect of the substantive nature of digital materiality and of the emergent nature of virtual worlds. We conclude that this 'human-centric' stance has taken focus away from the unique nature of the virtual world artifact itself, and posit a research agenda that focuses on virtual world objects as well as the immersive and emergent activities of 'world-builders' as necessary to advance virtual world research.",
keywords = "Emergence, Immersion, Literature review, Secondary analysis, Virtual worlds",
author = "Michael Cahalane and Joseph Feller and Patrick Finnegan",
year = "2012",
language = "English",
isbn = "9781627486040",
series = "International Conference on Information Systems, ICIS 2012",
pages = "1814--1833",
booktitle = "International Conference on Information Systems, ICIS 2012",
note = "International Conference on Information Systems, ICIS 2012 ; Conference date: 16-12-2012 Through 19-12-2012",
}