The Differentiation Between Virtual and Real Time

The nature of time in Ready Player One that I have repeatedly noticed is the parallel between time in OASIS and in real life. Much of the population escapes the struggles of every day life through immersing themselves in virtual reality. As Wade plays the game, he builds a relationship with Art3mis through their quest to conquer the challenges of the game. Each second in the game proves vital as other teams compete to be the first to discover the egg. As Wade and Art3mis compete in OASIS, their relationship builds. However, questions arise of the person on the other side of the avatar.

The relationship between the two players draws particular attention to the distinctions of time between the virtual world and the real world that each player exists in. The duality of this situation creates an intriguing complex. As time moves in the virtual world, so too does it in the real world. As the relationship between Wade and Art3mis grows in the virtual world, the building necessity for physical interaction occurs. Most of the time they spend together initially takes place in a virtual world, while they are in varying places in reality. However, the two come together at the end of the novel, as Wade professes his feelings for his counterpart.

The relationship between the two does not fully come to fruition until the finale of the novel. It is not until Wade becomes infinitely rich through his victory that Art3mis and he come together completely. While the two came together early on in the novel in the virtual world, it takes more time for their union in the real world. The delay between virtual and real world union illustrates the differentiation between the two worlds, specifically the passing of time between each.

I have noticed a similar parallel in the past few weeks in my life. Recently, a video game called Fortnite has become extremely popular. With that being said, I have spent much time playing the game…probably too much. Although I have not cultivated an online relationship through the game, I have noticed the amount of time that passes while I play. I have particularly realized how fast time outside of the game moves. The predicament I find myself in is that I must now pay more attention to time outside of the game, as it seems that I have become too immersed to notice it otherwise.