• Raph Koster, the co-founder of Stars Reach, argues that the idea of a persistent virtual world is too powerful to dismiss. He believes that such a world could have a profound impact on society, culture, and even the future of humanity. Koster suggests that these virtual worlds could serve as platforms for experimentation, innovation, and the exploration of new modes of living and interacting.
• According to Koster, persistent virtual worlds offer the potential to create new forms of social organization, economic systems, and governance structures. He envisions these worlds as "laboratories" where people can experiment with alternative ways of life, free from the constraints of the physical world. Koster argues that these virtual environments could foster creativity, collaboration, and the development of new technologies and ideas.
• Koster acknowledges the challenges and risks associated with persistent virtual worlds, such as the potential for exploitation, addiction, and the widening of existing societal divides. However, he believes that the potential benefits outweigh the risks and that these virtual worlds should be embraced and carefully developed to ensure they are used in a responsible and beneficial manner. Koster calls for a thoughtful and nuanced approach to the creation and implementation of persistent virtual worlds.