Second Life Part I: An Introduction to Participation Media
I first learned about second life when I found this video on google videos last week. Second Life is not really a game although it is massively multiplayer and it is online. You create and customize your own avatar . Via a third person POV, you explore an intricate online world where thousands of other people are online creating and interacting with each other.
One aspect of Second Life I find interesting is that the users, called Residents, are responsible for creating much of the content that is seen. User created content is not new in the world of games and I think this is a brilliant approach to maintaining a virtual world. You are not limited by the objects and locations that are there today. Tomorrow it may be different. This is how content is kept fresh and interesting; it doesn't get old.
Those who are familiar with 3D creation and image manipulation software such as 3DS Max and Photoshop, will feel comfortable with the object creation tool built into the Second Life interface. However, there is still a learning curve. To aid users with learning, SL made another smart decision by creating online classes in virtual lecture halls and open spaces. There are schedules available informing you of upcoming classes in various subjects from creating textures and objects to making (real) money in the Second Life world by offering design services.
Aside from the geeks and the freaks, who would be interested in this? Well, SL noticed the overwhelming success of MySpace and are attempting to convert the success of MySpace to a virtual world. Suzanne Vega performed live in Second Life just a few days ago (aug . You can see the video here. Duran Duran will also perform in the next month or two. There's more on the music scene in Second Life here.
Corporate interest is there as well. Starwood Hotels will launch a new hotel in Second Life. The real world hotel will open sometime in 2008. Starwood plans to gather feedback from users. CNET has an article on the Starwood Hotel "ALOFT" here.
I have always been interested in Virtual Reality and CGI. While in college in 1992, I can remember reading the book Virtual Reality: The Revolutionary Technology of Computer-Generated Artificial Worlds - and How It Promises to Transform Society, by futurist Howard Rheingold. Fast Forward 14 years later, I was surprised to find that he was particpating in an in-world Second Life interview here discussing the impact of online social communities. I realize that I'm still interested in virtual reality and the potential for virtual communities like Second Life.
By showcasing bands, inviting speakers, and marketing their unique technology to companies worldwide, Second Life is well positioned to lead the future in VR.
One aspect of Second Life I find interesting is that the users, called Residents, are responsible for creating much of the content that is seen. User created content is not new in the world of games and I think this is a brilliant approach to maintaining a virtual world. You are not limited by the objects and locations that are there today. Tomorrow it may be different. This is how content is kept fresh and interesting; it doesn't get old.
Those who are familiar with 3D creation and image manipulation software such as 3DS Max and Photoshop, will feel comfortable with the object creation tool built into the Second Life interface. However, there is still a learning curve. To aid users with learning, SL made another smart decision by creating online classes in virtual lecture halls and open spaces. There are schedules available informing you of upcoming classes in various subjects from creating textures and objects to making (real) money in the Second Life world by offering design services.
Aside from the geeks and the freaks, who would be interested in this? Well, SL noticed the overwhelming success of MySpace and are attempting to convert the success of MySpace to a virtual world. Suzanne Vega performed live in Second Life just a few days ago (aug . You can see the video here. Duran Duran will also perform in the next month or two. There's more on the music scene in Second Life here.
Corporate interest is there as well. Starwood Hotels will launch a new hotel in Second Life. The real world hotel will open sometime in 2008. Starwood plans to gather feedback from users. CNET has an article on the Starwood Hotel "ALOFT" here.
I have always been interested in Virtual Reality and CGI. While in college in 1992, I can remember reading the book Virtual Reality: The Revolutionary Technology of Computer-Generated Artificial Worlds - and How It Promises to Transform Society, by futurist Howard Rheingold. Fast Forward 14 years later, I was surprised to find that he was particpating in an in-world Second Life interview here discussing the impact of online social communities. I realize that I'm still interested in virtual reality and the potential for virtual communities like Second Life.
By showcasing bands, inviting speakers, and marketing their unique technology to companies worldwide, Second Life is well positioned to lead the future in VR.
posted by grillcheese at 12:02 PM
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