Guide Note

Second Life is an online virtual world that near-mirrors real life. Users (represented by avatars) start families, build houses, found organizations, etc. It is one of the most popular massively multi-player online role-playing games (MMORPGs). Unlike other MMORPGs however, Second Life incorporates it's own currency system that allows users to withdrawal their virtual earning for real world cash. This has helped to create a small virtual economy of merchants, real estate agents and other entrepreneurs. Second Life was created by Linden Lab who is based in San Francisco California.

Fast Facts

1. Release Date: 2003
2. Developer: Linden Research, Inc
3. Over 14 million accounts have been created
4. At any given time there are 30,000 to 65,000 users logged into the world

Two pivotal founders of Second Life are former president Philip Rosedale and former CTO Cory Ondrejka. Although both have now stepped down or left Linden Lab, Philip Rosedale still remains on the board of directors. In April of 2008 it was announced that Mark Kingdon would become the new president of Linden Lab.

Each player creates a unique avatar to represent them within the Second Life world. Players can select from a number of physical attributes and accessories. Players can communicate through two different avenues, local chat, and global "instant messaging" (known as IM). Players can move through the world, communicating with one another. The main form of transportation is on foot, however, avatars are able to fly up to 300 meters. Vehicles are also available for avatars, which has created a racing zone for the avatars to gather after creating and customizing their cars. Teleporting is also available for avatars to go to a specific location.