Second Life
Second Life is a 3-D virtual world which is internet based and was launched in the year 2003 and developed by Linden Research Inc. The Second Life client program is a downloadable program.
Its users are commonly referred to as “residents”. These residents create their own motional avatars who interact with each other in a virtual environment. These residents essentially interact with each other, socialize, participate in group or individual activities, trade virtual property or other items and services amongst themselves. The currency that comes into play in Second Life is called Linden Dollar or L$. This currency can be exchanged for real world currencies. Although Second Life is commonly referred to as a game, it is more than just that. It does not involve any kind of winners, losers, levels or any other strategies common to a game per se. On a more basic level however it is played for fun, and hence incorporates the basic characteristics of a game. Second Life has more than 11.5 million accounts registered including both active and inactive residents.
Essential features of Second Life
Second life residents create their own avatars and can customize their physical attributes, clothing preferences etc. It is also possible for a single resident to have multiple accounts. Residents communicate amongst themselves either by IM or global text messaging or local chat. While the IM is used to send personal messages between two residents or within a group, avatars may also “shout”. The new version also facilitates voice chat. These motional avatars may walk, run or jump. It is also possible to fly about 170m above the terrain. Other features include movable vehicles in which residents may travel around and these are located in the object library. These include go-kart, helicopters, submarines, hot air balloons etc. For rapid travel, residents may also use the “teleport” (TP) feature to reach a specific location instantaneously. Second Life has its own currency and economy and residents continuously create goods and services and trade amongst themselves. As of February 2007; L$266 equated to 1US$.
It is also possible for residents to own land in Second Life. The premium members are entitled to own land (up to 512 m² without additional fees). Once the land has been purchased; the resident may sell the land to other residents while adhering to Scone Life terms of service. Second Life’s 3D animation tool can be used the residents with the right expertise to build virtual items like buildings, furniture, vehicles, machines etc. This activity has a great influence on the economy of Second Life. With the Linden scripting language, it is possible to add autonomous behavior to various objects like opening and closing of doors etc. Second Life is inhabited by skilled residents who are mostly designers and artists and this also gives them a platform to demonstrate their artistic abilities. Second Life is a perfect interactive platform with residents ranging from the age of 18-85 with diverse cultures and backgrounds. A single basic account is offered free of cost.
