By: Peter (pcewtone)
In the lingo of 3D virtual world designers, Second Life is classified as a "computer game". The dictionary defines a game as (1) a form of play or sport, especially a competitive one, played according to rules and decided by skill, strength, or luck; and (2) a type of activity or business, especially when regarded as a game.
For many users, however, Second Life is none of the above, but rather a "3-D immersive social networking environment." In fact, some take it as seriously as their 'first life'. Granted, a 3D virtual world can provide a place to play, but so can real life. We all know people who treat their entire life as a game. As one Second Life resident posted on his profile, "You can play in both Second Life and Real Life, but that does not necessarily make either a 'game'. Some of us take our SL just as seriously as we take our RL."
Of course Second Life can be loads of fun, but it can also be a place to form deep friendships with people from all over the world, a place to share the joys and sorrows of life, a place to teach and learn, a place to give fuller expression to creative abilities, a place to give and receive help from others in times of real need, a place to meditate and pray...
As with most things in life, the best way to decide is to join Second Life and see for yourself. Meanwhile, for further discussion on whether or not Second Life is a 'game', please see:
No comments:
Post a Comment