Today we will talk about the Metaverse universe that has changed everything, that has revolutionized the genre and that has inspired so many other video game studios to develop their own massively multiplayer universe. We will talk about Second Life.
If the concept escapes you, just remember that the name of this game released in 2003 is rather explicit, Second Life literally allows you to settle in a virtual world. Rent a house, buy a wardrobe, have a job, all this is possible but what would be the point of all this if you have no one to share it with? Well, the social aspect is the number one argument in this universe, through your avatar in this 3D space, you can walk from world to world to meet other players in order to discuss or become friends, if this may seem crazy to you, it is real, thanks to this game, couples have formed and families have been created, and I’m not only talking about in the game but also in real life! This is the strength of Second Life, it transcends reality.
What can you do in this virtual world?
The activities in this game are numerous, it is possible to play mini-games such as soccer, it is also possible to participate in social activities like going to a movie theater and watch your favorite series accompanied by complete strangers or friends, depending on your preferences… But the reason why there are so many players is different, it’s for the activities not planned by the developer but what the players create, through these social interactions will create relationships and events, it is not uncommon to attend a wedding in game for example, players will spend weeks or months to plan, to invest time and money to organize the event that will remain forever engraved in their memories.
More than just a game
Many people use second life to escape the difficulties they face in reality, for example the fact of being hidden behind an avatar also allows the most socially anxious to finally meet people. But that’s not all, in second life, users have the possibility to earn virtual money… which they can transfer in any real currency! Many players have decided to make second life their real job, players can create clothes, objects, avatars, buildings. Some have even become real estate agents, and sublet spaces that they have designed and that they advertise through classified ads. All these financial transactions constitute the economic model of the game, which takes a percentage of each of them. “For some, the virtual world represents a significant source of income; for others, it can be a remunerative hobby or a self-financing pastime” says the company’s CEO. In 2015, users exchanged $60 million from the virtual economy. And it can bring a lot for the smartest players, Anshe Chung for example became in 2006, the first millionaire of Second Life, thanks to his real estate investments.
An unsettling thought that people use second life to escape their own reality and see it as more than just a game. Looking forward to reading more about the Metaverse universe in your upcoming blog posts.
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