0 Chapter XXIV MMORPGs and Foreign Language Education Yong Zhao Michigan State University, USA Chun Lai Michigan State University, USA Copyright © 2009, IGI Global, distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited. AbstrAct This chapter provides an overview of the potential of massively multiplayer role-playing games (MMOR- PGs) for foreign language education and discusses how MMORPGs can be better designed to support foreign language education. It reviews current conceptualizations on ideal language learning environ- ments, discusses the potential of MMORPGs for foreign language education, and elaborates on how to design MMORPGs to facilitate foreign language learning. The authors hope that this discussion will help foreign language educators realize and capitalize on the values of MMORPGs in foreign language education, and will guide the design of MMORPGs for foreign language learning. INtrODUctION Massively multiplayer role-playing games (MMORPGs), with the features of both games and online communities, are noted for creat- ing immersion experience and for fostering strong interactions and communities. Educators have started to examine the educative values of MMORPGs, and how they can be better used to facilitate education. MMORPGs hold great po- tential for foreign language education. However, the designs of MMORPGs are crucial to whether the potential is realized. In this chapter, we are to discuss how MMORPGs can potentially create optimal foreign language learning environments and how to design MMORPGs that can facilitate foreign language learning.