Second Life Machinima

Second life machinima is considered to be some of the best on the planet. According to Wikipedia, the term "machinima" refers to the computerized 3-D rendering that allows real-time graphic animation. It also refers to the process of capturing those 3-D virtual activities on digital video.

3-D gaming technology

The technology has its roots in the gaming world, where 3-D animation really took hold. Players wanted to advance quickly to the next levels and started digitally filming their gaming actions. Before long, making these digital movies became a game in itself, and players started editing the footage and creating unique storylines. Soon, filmmakers caught on and the process entered the realms of mainstream animation. At the same time, Linden Lab was developing software for Second Life that allowed the animation to be streamed live.

Creating a visually rich digital world

Second Life (SL) is the most technologically developed virtual world that exists, with the broadest offering of user experiences. And the exceptionally high quality of Second Life machinima is largely responsible for the community's popularity. Residents create not only their avatars, but wardrobes, homes, businesses, and ecological environments to work and play in. The creations are as visually rich as the non-digital world.

Digital artistry

People who are skilled oil painters and costume designers find possibilities for expression in Second Life that extend beyond the limitations of their non-digital mediums. After the cost of the graphic software they need for their digital designing, there is no further cost for materials, shipping or warehouse space. SL is a virtual playground for artists from all mediums who are interested in translating their talents into digital form by creating Second Life machinima.

Landscape painters and designers can create locations within Second Life where they can use an unlimited palette of sunrise and sunset colors. Plants, flowers, lakes and ponds can be created to simulate the real world or express the fantasy world that could never exist in the world of brick, mortar and dirt. It's clear that some of the resident artists pour their hearts and souls into creating their avatars, pets and real estate. A pair of shoes, for example might have such intricate detailing that each buckle, stud and strand of topstitching thread is picture perfect.

Virtual business, real money

Those who are business minded offer their Second Life machinima creations in the virtual marketplace. Resident artisans have created everything imaginable for sale, from avatar hairstyles to fairy wings. And for additional authenticity, the merchants can exchange the virtual Linden dollars they earn for dollars they can spend in the real world.

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