Virtual World Game

Is Second Life a virtual world game? This is a question on many people’s minds as internet users attempt to classify virtual worlds. What you will discover once you enter a Second Life world, is that it is so much more than a game.

The Gaming Complex

Video games have progressed from the original PONG to what can only be described as games that are as real as real life. Games like Half-Life, The Sims and World of Warcraft have become icons in the video gaming world. These virtual games allow users to enter alternate worlds, exist in alternate worlds, and play in alternate worlds. It is an exciting new world for gamers today and the innovative approaches keep millions enraptured.

But when is a game not a game? A virtual game implies that you will be playing something and that winning or losing will most likely be involved. This is an apt description of many online gaming sites allowing users to compete in virtual simulations.

Virtual game is also a term used to describe virtual social communities where gaming is not the entire focus of the site. These sites are more about having fun and networking than winning and losing.

A Game By Any Other Name…

Even though Second Life and other virtual worlds are not true virtual world game sites they appear to be stuck with the title. It would be almost impossible to change something that has become instilled in the minds of many internet users. Second Life, the most popular virtual world game, has even become a part of our culture.

Gaming in the Virtual World

While gaming is not the focus of Second Life it does exist in the Second Life virtual world. Casinos were banned in July 2007 and Second Life set a new gaming policy. However there are still some games were betting is allowed, these games follow strictly the new policy rules and they are based on skills not random number generation or real life sporting organized events. Games like Legal Sploder and Zyngo (similar to Bingo) are still very popular in-world.

Gaming in Second Life is not limited to legal betting. A group of users can play a game of cards or even start a live action role playing simulation, a LARP. Other than table games, quiz games and Role playing games you can find practically any game within second life: scavenger hunts, shooting games, sport games, and anything you can imagine.Some users consider big business to be a game. Land sales are abundant in Second Life and real estate speculation on the site has become a competitive game between many users and land owners. The Lindex (Linden Dollar Stock Exchange) is another interesting game, dealing with virtual stocks and bonds like in the real world.

Since the description won’t be changing we may as well get used to it. Second Life is a virtual world game. Just let anyone who asks you about the site know it is so much more.