In Week 18 of Advanced 3D Computer Animation, Professor Nigel Mairs suggested me to foucs on chapter planning, research design, and establishing the Golden thread throughout my thesis proposal. The main aim of this process was to ensure that every section of the proposal remained connected to my central research question, “Who Owns Your Avatar? Platform Control vs. Player Rights in Digital Games”.
Step 1: Categorising the Chapters
I developed a clearer chapter structure by separating my research into three key areas. The first chapter focuses on contractual authority and examines how platform Terms of Service limit the practical application of copyright ownership. The second chapter studies platform case studies including Roblox, Fortnite, VRChat, Second Life, Minecraft, and other digital environments to investigate how creator-friendly systems still maintain operational authority. The final chapter critically evaluates existing academic literature and examines the differences between theoretical ownership arguments and the practical reality of platform governance.
I also further developed my research methodology by confirming the use of qualitative doctrinal analysis. This method allows me to examine legal documents, platform policies, and academic sources to understand how ownership structures operate within commercial digital spaces. Through this approach, I was able to establish a clear connection between my research question, evidence collection, analysis, and final arguments.
Step 2: Refining the Proposal Flow
Another important aspect of this week was ensuring that my proposal maintained a logical flow from the introduction to the conclusion. Every chapter needed to contribute towards answering the central question rather than presenting unrelated information.
By the end of the week, I had completed a stronger chapter plan and research framework. Establishing the golden thread helped me maintain a focused argument and ensured that every part of my thesis proposal supported the overall purpose of the study.