Second Life is a virtual 3D world where people create custom avatars to interact with other avatars in the online community. You can explore new cities, go shopping, attend classes, and even buy property.
This means if you’ve ever dreamt about being a rich, successful entrepreneur living in a high-rise condo, you have the opportunity to do so with Second Life. Or you could sprout wings and take on the appearance of a fairy dwelling in a giant mushroom, whatever floats your boat.
The game is extremely addictive, but with spectacular, unearthly landscapes, it’s not hard to see why. 
1. âDancing Veneziaâ by dell_wilberg.
2. The Flower Girl by karindalziel.
3. Be an activist. âMake Slove, not Warcraftâ by moggs_oceanlane.
Intermission
4. Zombie Ballet by moggs_oceanlane.
5. Falling petals on the Tokyo Peninsula by Ravenelle.
6. That's right, your Second Life characters need to do their laundry. âShadows@Laundromatâ by Ramona.Forcella.
7.Moosh Fashion Show with models and DJ. By Ravenelle.
8.A book signing event with author Julian Dibbell, whose book âPlay Moneyâ is available in both Second Life and in the real world. By John E. Lester.
9.Your Second Life doesn't necessarily have to take place in human form, be creative. By BlueLinden.
Intermission
10.A dating world to explore when you've already exhausted the real one. By Yuval_Y.
11. "Tuna Oddfellow and Shava Suntzu's wedding in Second Life.â Not sure which one is the groom and which one is the bride. By isfullofcrap.
12. âThe Show Must Go Onâ performs for the Raglan Shire community, by Vlan Bjornson.
Candice Walsh
Candice is a travel writer and blogger currently stationed in St. John’s, Newfoundland. When she’s not shooting whiskey and hitting on men, she’s eating nachos and dreaming about her next big adventure. Check out her blog, Candice Does the World.
and how do avatars communicate?
According to their website, “text chat and 3D spatial voice.” Neat!
Just in case you’re still wondering, the one with the top hat in image #10 is the groom. You can see a full machinima (video) of the wedding on Business Week:
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/feb2008/tc20080214_131079.htm
I had no idea that image was gender ambiguous!
I was referring to their names actually (although I suppose “Oddfellow” might’ve gave it away), but wow, thanks for that link! I feel inclined to try this out myself.
fascinating! I think Second Life is a harbinger for virtual realities yet to be imagined. Whereas a few years ago I scoffed at these types of (games?) activities, I see now that they are not going away and deserve some critical attention.
I completely agree. I know two film producers who have a virtual theater set up on Second Life. People make money on it. Art. Literature. It’s pretty cool.
I have an account but haven’t done anywhere near the amount of exploring I’d like to do.
As someone that used to work at the company that created Second Life there are some really amazing things that go on in there. Two of my favorite videos created by customers are these two:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV1YbWBSXS8
http://www.youtube.com/user/hayesg01#p/a/u/0/6D00Uv0qGoU
Those are really great Chris, thanks for sharing. I feel like this might be the perfect virtual game for travelers.