ABSTRACT
Maps may act as simulated experiences, as sites for competition and reward, as spaces for exploration and as a means of way-finding through an unknown territory. The virtual world offers two distinct, yet often related forms of mapping: the map as a designed, constructed site to be exposed and traversed, and the annotated map as a tool to aid users in some of these traversals. 'Out-of-the-gameworld' maps can be accessed by 'pausing' the gameplay to allow the player to get their bearings, much like real-world navigation. However, the separation of map and experience does not stop the gameplay, but instead creates various windows of play through the switching between different game screens. Mastering the space of the game can be shown through players creating their own maps, once again exposing the fluidity of fictional game spaces.
