My initial thoughts of Massive Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs)

I did it!  I signed up for Second Life.

It’s interesting that Second Life has drawn the interests of major corporations for advertising.  I’m not sure that there is a good Return on Marketing Investment (ROMI)–thanks Don Neal–however, a few companies were able to get a bit of earned media for their efforts.  Read more: here, here, here.

Within the metaverse of Second Life there are people who are trying to make money.  One of the biggest money makers is selling clothing/costumes for avatars.  Here is a quote from a report on cnet.com about the burgeoning Second Life fashion industry:

More to the point, Second Life fashion is a huge business opportunity. It’s the biggest volume business–and the most profitable. Well-known designer Munchflower Zaius offers a reason: “The first thing you see when you come into Second Life? Other people wearing hot skins, hot clothes. It’s instant peer pressure. You want to look as good as everyone else.

In a world where everyone can be a sex god or goddess, why wouldn’t you want to? I’m just catering to it.”

And upon some research it turns out Second Life is available for Mobile Phones.  While I can’t see myself playing Second Life on my cell phone, I can understand the appeal.  Today many people play standard video games online with PS3, XBOX 360, and PSP.  I suspect it will continue to grow, especially if they resolve their software limitations.

AMERICA’S ARMY:

All I can say is this is a wonderful tool for recruiting and developing greater appreciation for the life of a Soldier engaged in close combat.  After playing the latest version, I discovered that this game is challenging and faaaaaaaaaaar more realistic than games of my childhood.  (Ikari Warriors, Rambo, Intellevision Armor Battle)