Quasirobotic

Any list of the qualities that have netted all this talent and money should include Mr. Priebatsch’s quasirobotic work ethic. He does not socialize. He no longer reads books, nor does he watch TV or movies. He works from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m., seven days a week.

What happens when players disconnect from this virtual world? Researchers have found that they continue to exhibit quasirobotic conduct: specifically, desensitization to physical and emotional pain, both in themselves and in others.