Uploaded May 2012 | Updated September 2026, 7 hours ago
The virtual world. A phenomenon that engages millions of people worldwide and generates a massive return for games developers.
This compulsively watchable and timely character study uncovers the true stories of a variety of colourful personalities with one thing in common, they are all obsessive video gamers immersed in MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games) like 'World of Warcraft' and 'Second Life'. These are real people whose lives have been enriched, and in some cases destroyed, by their addiction to gaming.
The unflinchingly candid testimonials provided by all interviewees are astonishing. There are those that worship the games, casual gamers and those who consider the virtual world their permanent residence.
We meet Kevin Keel and Heather Cowan, whose 'avatars' fell in love online before they themselves had actually ever seen each other in the flesh. We meet Dan Bustard, who was living the American Dream, he owned a thriving business and was in a loving relationship before he started spending up to sixteen hours a day in the virtual world and neglected everything he held dear. We meet groups of devotees whose passion for video gaming is equal to the highest level of religious fervour.
Far from being a film for gamers alone, Second Skin is for anyone interested in the profound ways in which our society has changed in recent years, and the unavoidable impact technology has had on everybody's way of life. © Copyright Second Skin Films LLC
The virtual world. A phenomenon that engages millions of people worldwide and generates a massive return for games developers.
This compulsively watchable and timely character study uncovers the true stories of a variety of colourful personalities with one thing in common, they are all obsessive video gamers immersed in MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games) like 'World of Warcraft' and 'Second Life'. These are real people whose lives have been enriched, and in some cases destroyed, by their addiction to gaming.
The unflinchingly candid testimonials provided by all interviewees are astonishing. There are those that worship the games, casual gamers and those who consider the virtual world their permanent residence.
We meet Kevin Keel and Heather Cowan, whose 'avatars' fell in love online before they themselves had actually ever seen each other in the flesh. We meet Dan Bustard, who was living the American Dream, he owned a thriving business and was in a loving relationship before he started spending up to sixteen hours a day in the virtual world and neglected everything he held dear. We meet groups of devotees whose passion for video gaming is equal to the highest level of religious fervour.
Far from being a film for gamers alone, Second Skin is for anyone interested in the profound ways in which our society has changed in recent years, and the unavoidable impact technology has had on everybody's way of life. © Copyright Second Skin Films LLC
