in a few recent conversations where I've had to describe multiplayer games and stuff I have unironically deployed the term "virtual spaces", because honestly, any multiplayer level with the added context of a real social network (any social network elevated past matchmaker w/ no conversation or recognition) becomes a real place that you spend time with people.

I think we might be a bit spoiled now with spaces like Minecraft. even the long history of MMOs that have intentionally planned simulation of logical, real spaces makes it less obvious how arena_lumberyard and cs_office can be places with different moods at different times of day. how certain people come and go, and how these places are enlivened or altered by different group dynamics

videogames are pretty cool actually