Many would figure that professors would receive govenment grants to research and study important issues or fields which may be beneficial to society. Recently, it was disclosed that Professor Bonnie Nardi of the University of California Irvine, was awarded a $100K grant from the National Science Foundation. The topic she’s researching is why more American WoW players mod the game more than their Chinese counterparts. Yes…you heard it right…she’s getting $100K to research WoW gamers.

Not surprisingly, Professor Nardi is an avid WoW player herself and here is an exerpt from her research:

We are examining the many reasons for this disparity, including cultural and institutional factors. The vast majority of Chinese players are not ‘gold farmers’… They’re ordinary players like anyone. The media has blown that story out of all proportion. Many people think Chinese play for a job. They play for fun…

Here and in Europe and Australia/New Zealand people play with parents and event grandparents. Not in China. The older generation dislikes video games. People here play with brothers and sisters. But in China people don’t have brothers and sisters for the most part, so friend relationships are very important.

I can’t believe any organization would honestly pay someone money (let alone $100K) to basically play a video game. I’m sure many other people would do this for A LOT less…I can’t imagine how Professor Nardi can justify the cost. I’m guessing she must have some really SICK rig to play WoW…and will probably be spotted in line for the upcoming launch of Wrath of the Lich King Expansion. Sometimes I think life isn’t fair…and now you can see why!

-Stephen