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http://ialja.blogspot.com
An Introduction to
Virtual WorldsSecond Life and Beyond
Alja Sulčič(iAlja Writer)
http://ialja.blogspot.com
Virtual worldsdefined
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A virtual world is a computer-based simulated environment intended for its
users to inhabit and interact via avatars.Wikipedia
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Virtual worlds:
... towards a 3D Web?
evolving from‣ social networks‣ online games‣ simulations
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is a very popular massively multiplayer
online role-playing game (MMOG)
that takes place in a
fantasy virtual world...
World of Warcraft
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... but there are also
more realistic virtual worlds, which don’t focus on gaming.
These virtual worlds can be used as effective real-life
communication, business,
education and social tools.
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... let’s see why and how!
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Living a
Second Life
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Second Life is one of the most talked about non-gaming virtual worlds right now...
... let’s see how it works!
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Users download the Second Life client to enter the virtual world
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... that do most of the maths for the client.
The open source client connects
to Second Life servers...
Client/Server architecture
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‣ SL development‣ SL “central bank”‣ SL “law” makers and enforcers‣ financed by users purchasing
virtual land on LL servers
Second Life servers are hosted by one company:
Makers of Second Life
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... but it’s the residents that make the world come alive!
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> 5 million unique residents> 1,5 million logged in the last 60 days≈ 40 000 users in-world at any time
> 90 000 premium residents
all users must be over 18*average age 33
43 % female usersactive users: 44 % EU, 26 % USA
User Stats
Demographics
* teens from the age 13 to 17 can use a more secure version of SL: Teen Second Life
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Residents have different tools within Second Life...
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in private (Instant Messages -IM)
- or - in public
(places or group IM) verbally (text or/and voice chat)
- and -non-verbally
(visual appearance, proxemics, gestures and animations)
Communication tools
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Tools for travelYou can walk and fly...
... or teleport anywhere in an instant!
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Tools for creating and shaping the world
//pic
‣3D prim building‣Linden Scripting Language‣ texture, sound and animation import
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Second Life is a user-created world!
Virtual Morocco
Second House of Sweden
Little Roma International Spaceflight Museum
Abbots Aerodrome
Teaching
Berkman Sandbox
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“You create it, you own it.”
... users retain full IP rights over content they create in Second Life
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... but what can we do with our Second Life?
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Living a Second Life:
Business
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US$ L$
Linden DollarsSecond Life currency
(1 US$ ≈ 270 L$)
real money trading (RMT)
L$ can be used on the
web or in-world
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‣ selling virtual goods (C2C, B2C, B2B),
‣ building communities,‣ costumer support,‣ training & research,‣ public relations,‣ marketing, ‣ events, ...‣ gambling
Business opportunities(for individuals and companies)
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> 400 residents had a monthly income over 2 000 US$
> 300 000 residents spent money in-world
Economy stats (June 2007)
almost 7 million US$ exchanged
Lindex Virtual Currency Exchange
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Real companies in Second Life
Nissan Altima Island
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Living a Second Life:
Education
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Many educational institutions already
have their virtual campuses
Ohio University
Harvard Law School
NMC Campus
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‣ programming,‣ natural sciences,‣ economics,‣ law,‣ foreign languages,‣ literature,‣ art, ...
There are courses being taught within Second Life on a
variety of subjects:
Learning about cell structure within a 3D cell model
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Second Life residents can attend a number of
(often free) educational events:
‣ conferences,‣ lectures,‣ discussions,‣ interviews,‣ book readings, ....
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Living a Second Life:
Politics
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Residents (and political parties/groups) use Second Life to express their
political views
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National Front HQ: Contra National Front:
French elections
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Candidates’ headquarters:
Politics+
business:
USA elections
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Living a Second Life:
Media
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SL has high media coverage
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... and its own media
TV channels:
Magazines:
News sites:
News agency:
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Living a Second Life:
Art & Architecture
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Second Life hosts different art
exhibitions...
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... and is a playground
for artistic expression
ArchitectureMachinima
Multimedia installation
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Living a Second Life:
Sports & Leisure
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Residents also spend their time
doing sports...
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... keep track of and experience
real-life sports events...
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... or just have fun with their friends.
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Virtual beyondSecond Life
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Second Life is just the tip of the iceberg
... and many more!
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By the end of 2011, 80 % of active Internet users (and Fortune 500 enterprises) will have a
“second life”, but not necessarily in Second Life.April 2007, Gartner Inc.
80 %
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The best way to learn about virtual worlds
is to try one!
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see you in-world!
Created by: Alja Sulčič
(SL iAlja Writer)http://ialja.blogspot.com
DisclaimerAll the logos and trademarks that appear in this presentation are the property of their respective owners, who are not affiliated with the author. The views expressed by the author are her own and do not represent the views of the trademark owners.
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