In [[Virtual Worlds]] design, there is a concept called [The Magic Circle](https://www.universityxp.com/blog/2020/7/9/what-is-the-magic-circle). Described in a [2008 paper by Linser, Lindstad and Vold](https://www.simplay.net/papers/MagicCircle-Linser-Lindstad-Vold08.pdf), the Magic Circle is a construct that defines a specific experience within a game world. ## Magic Circle in RPGs The original paper discussed the Magic Circle as a construct for exploration. In an RPG, a player must ask themselves "‘*how should this role act?*" and then "*I know about these characteristics and how are they different from mine?*". So RPGs confront the players with new circles they might not encounter in their lives and offers an opportunity to explore them: "*How would I act in this context?*" This is then used in game design to define the rules & expectations of the game context, for example defining that the space is cooperative, competitive, or both. Other times the Magic Circle exists only to provide a boundary between the real and imagined worlds. This might be used to transport learnings from games into the real world, where playing the game evokes desirable emotional responses the player (see [[MDA]]). ## Magic Circle as separation The Magic Circle can also create a safe space, providing a boundary between the real world and virtual worlds. This way, the virtual world can introduce its own rules for what is socially accepted, for example shooting your friend in the face, killing him and laughing about it being a desired dynamic in ego shooters, although not in reality. ## Magic Circle as general construct The Magic Circle can also be used to define boundaries outlining the “correct” way to act within any social context. This is usually not about design, but about observation, plotting implicit and explicit behaviors. Everything inside the circle is allowed within the specific context and everything outside is either socially frowned upon or outright punishable. ![[Magic Circle in games and other contexts.png]] ## Articles & posts [Raph Koster and Jon Radoff talk about the Metaverse, Online Worlds, MMOs and virtual societies - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfyif5a3Py?t=2118I)