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Michèle LALLEE-LENDERS
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15 million Internet users have a different life with a virtual existence in a metaverse called Second Life. Dream or reality?
Second Life ( SL as it is called ) is a parallel world in 3D on a computer , in which users play online , socialize and interact. More simply, it is a game where anything can be done, just like in real life . This world is totally shaped by its players, it is independent and has its own economy with a currency, the Linden .
Second Life , an advertising tool ?
Established in 2003 by Philip Rosedale, an American engineering , SL interested many investors who see it as an extraordinary marketing tool. Brands such as IBM , L’Oreal, Orange , Crédit Agricole and Jean- Paul Gaultier (famous designer) take position in the game to promote their products, recruiters meet virtually and state their first choice before you see them in real life . Even prestigious universities are represented and provide some courses or conferences in the immaterial world . The possibilities are enormous, and incredible .
In 2009 , the market has generated an income of half a billion dollars
How to play?
The first step is to make a virtual alter ego ( avatar ) as attractive as possible. It is offered upon arrival in the game but requires very soon a new look that goes , of course, through purchases . Then you have to learn to walk properly (which is not as simple as one might think ) , to fly ( as it is the fastest way to move from one point to another ) .
Visiting is the best way to know and discover this strange planet. Some players have built fabulous cities and monuments around the SL world. The Palace of Versailles is one of the beauties to see among many others .
The panorama of the game consists of islands with white sand on sea. The player has to to decide how to decorate the grounds. Once fully integrated into the game, you can buy an island and a house, put furniture found in an antique shop or selected from a designer, decorate your private beach with palms, flowers, have a garden and a swimming pool. Do not forget, the car in front of the garage, the boat on the sea or helicopter on the roof, all these » toys » that can be controlled . Why not shoot a firework at a party with friends? This is just one example, but anything is possible, it depends on your imagination.
Each one comes and finds what he wishes.
For some, it is a fun hobby or a social network, for others, a more or less substantial income or a dating site or , more prosaically, a place to practice sex … virtual. Because as amazing as it may seem, if a system allows the avatar emotes to express his feelings by taking poses such as sit, make a sign with the hand smile or dance, it also provides an opportunity to revisit the entire Kamasutra . Pornography is also available and seems to be of great interest for owners of strip clubs . This explains the banishment of minors.
There are two modes of communication between the Internet users, the conversation with the keyboard or the voice through a microphone which allows you to hear the voice of the others players.
What to do with Linden ?
This « money » is to offer the choice for shopping , for example, to embellish your avatar (clothes, hair, jewelry or shoes). It can also be converted into euros ( or dollars ) if the player has a job in the game (real estate to purchase a house, DJ to lead a club, reporter to account for various activities on the site hrough a newspaper, shop owners, architects, designers, owners of islands set rental, designers and so on ) . For information with one euro, the exchange rate is about 360 Linden .
Addiction and Divorce
The real danger that exists with this very special game is addiction. In fact, some players spend many hours in front of their screen and completely forget their real life. Love affairs can lead to overflows more or less appreciated by the wife or the husband. The first divorce was granted in favor of an English woman. Others in the world, think that come on SL is not at all trivial .
What about the population ?
Although all avatars, as a whole, say they are between 20 and 40 years maximum , all ages are represented , from the youngest (21 years) to no limit !. English is the spoken language, but there are different communities, French, Spanish German and so on. Interesting because it is a quick and inexpensive way to improve your knowledge of the Shakespeare’s language .
There would be much more to say about this virtual world which is growing every day. But this will be done in another article … why not ! .