MMO Griefers: Internet Haters' Evolution and Analysis

“The only sensible way to live in this world is without rules.”

---Joker, Batman:The Dark Knight

Joker licked his mouth, gave a sharp look, got close to people and asked with a villainous smile “Why so serious?”

The Evolutionary History of MMO Griefers

Nowadays, online games are absolutely a public cyberspace where anarchists, egotists, pragmatists, nihilists, pacifists, environmentalists and others show off themselves thoroughly and carry out various behaviors they dare not to do in the real life. However, no matter what excuse they have, for the sake of Holy War, for Peace and Love, for their own benefit, or just for creating practical jokes, are they allowed to harass other players? Or what’s the acceptance range? Few people think it over.

Make Love, Not Warcraft

Do you still remember the outstanding animated program of the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards in 2007? Right, it is an episode of South Park series called Make Love, Not Warcraft, simulating the American slogan of Make Love, Not War in 1960s. This episode takes a satirical look at the phenomenon resulted from MMORPG World of Warcraft, such as indulgence in games, less communication between parents and children, the inefficiency of publisher and so on. Because of its great influence, Make Love, Not Warcraft Achievement has also become one of World of Warcraft Achievements.

The griefer named Jenkins in the episode is depicted as an overweight adult player who has absolutely no life but enjoys killing other players randomly in the game. Due to this, he leaves an indelible impression on every audience.