This is a sample artifact excavated and assembled using the Archaeology skill in World of Warcraft. The "puzzle box of Yogg-Saron" belongs to the Nerubian race (arachnoids) and is unable to be opened. Instead, it taunts the player with malicious whispers. The box refers back to the universe created by H. P. Lovecraft, and provides an example of how WoW co-opts pop culture into the gaming world. Image: Andrew Reinhard/Screencap World of Warcraft
The "Tomb of the Watchers" is a dig site in the Badlands zone of World of Warcraft, an area rich in "Titan" artifacts near the ancient dwarven ruin of Uldaman. Image: Andrew Reinhard/Screencap World of Warcraft
Several quests in Elder Scrolls Online are archaeology themed. In the "Mallari-Mora" quest chain, the player meets Telenger, an arrogant archaeologist whose graduate students are trapped in an underground tomb. The player must retrieve a magical artifact, but in order to do so must "free" the students, most easily accomplished by killing them. Image: Andrew Reinhard/Screencap Elder Scrolls Online
Looting of artifacts is a core game mechanic in many MMOs and RPGs. In Elder Scrolls Online, players are sometimes required to loot (as shown here) in order to complete quests. At other times, players are asked to protect cultural heritage within the game. Players can opt not to complete quests that compromise their morals/ethics. Image: Andrew Reinhard/Screencap from Elder Scrolls Online