Dan Warne07 September 2006, 6:31 AM
Online gamers are planning a virtual wake for wildlife TV star Steve Irwin in the World of Warcraft online world. Other players are threatening to slaughter them during the ceremony.
Online gamers distraught at the death of wildlife TV star Steve Irwin are planning a virtual wake for him in the World of Warcraft online world.
"I propose a memorial service at the serene ocean front setting of the Zoram Strand," wrote the player "Bubbrubb" who is convening the memorial service.
"I would like to spell out CRIKEY with players [in formation] as a tribute to his wonderous catch phrase, and then we can dance and swim in the ocean to celebrate his life instead of mourning his death."
Another player, Benefice, suggested that the location should be changed to somewhere in the game where there are crocodiles."How about a spot where there actually are crocs? Stv or... the Southfury River between Barrens and Durotar? Maybe snap the picture as a hunter in front is taming one so you see hearts..." the player wrote.
In a tribute to Irwin, players of the two opposing sides in the game were invited to lay down their weapons and not fight each other during the memorial.
"Horde and Alliance are welcome to come say your goodbyes," wrote Bubbrubb.
However, it is a risky move for the players. A recent in-game funeral held for a WoW player on the Illidan server who died in real life was invaded by a group of online players in the "Serenity Now" guild who slaughtered the unarmed virtual mourners.
Despite the suggestion to lay down arms, players are already threatening to disrupt the service.
Ironically, the Frostwolf server, where the memorial will be held, is designated as a "Player vs Player" (PVP) server where there are no rules of engagement -- players can attack each other without limitations. On the regular "Player vs Environment" (PVE) servers, players can opt out of fighting with other players in the opposing faction.
There are 6.5million players of World of Warcraft worldwide. It is the biggest online multiplayer game, and players are split up into multiple parallel worlds to ensure servers don't become overloaded. The memorial service will be held on the Frostwolf server tonight.
Players are also requesting via World of Warcraft's online discussion forums that the game maker Blizzard actually make a formal in-game quest in honour of Irwin.