Meta-World
This parallel universe, an online service called Second Life that allows computer users to create a new and improved digital version of themselves, began in 1999 as a kind of online video game. But now, the budding fake world is not only attracting a lot more people, it is taking on a real world twist: big business interests are intruding on digital utopia. The Second Life online service is fast becoming a three-dimensional test bed for corporate marketers, including Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Sun Microsystems, Nissan, Adidas/Reebok, Toyota and Starwood Hotels. (…) The entire Internet is moving toward being a three-dimensional experience that will become more realistic as computing technology advances.
Interview of Philip Rosedale, Linden Lab CEO (the company behind Second Life).
Wired articles about Second Life
Brands advertising in Second Life
Interview of Edward Castronova, who discusses his last book “Synthetic Worlds” and gives an overview of online games, virtual worlds and virtual economies. This interview (24min 50sec) from Radio Economics is sold $1.95 (as it is an old one), but you can get the last RE interviews for free through iTunes. E. Castronova also received a $240,000 grant to fund the creation of a virtual world based on Shakespeare.
Virtual worlds also have their tour operator
