Our world has been continually evolving. With the advent of globalization, technology and internet, we are now embarking on the phenomenal growth of the virtual worlds. So, what are Virtual Worlds? Virtual world is a real-time, multi-player 3D environments in which the user takes on a specific role, represented on screen by an avatar. Obvious example is SecondLife. People who live in virtual worlds can buy homes, go shopping and play games with friends – this is the social networking element of it. With the current economic recession, companies are finding it cost-effective to hold meetings, recruit candidates and do promotions in virtual worlds. Offline events require hotel, travel costs and lost time in productivity – so why not meet your potential clients, employees and colleagues virtually – Afterall they exist both in the real and virtual world.
Here is a brief intro of a what is a virtual world?
Where is the MONEY??
Virtual worlds reshape the real-life Retail:
With the rise in Virtual world, many small businesses are using it to interact with their customers. Many businesses are marketing their products and services in virtual worlds – you can hold events, do strategic placements for audience development and building relationships with their customers:
Where is my LOVE? Virtual worlds are all about experience and community.
Want a cool girlfriend? Who needs a real deal? She is exactly what you want and is gone when you log off.
Our world has expanded – it has multiple dimensions….ARE you present Virtually?
As human beings, we are always in a game in our lives. We have characters who play different roles in our lives. There are jobs we are doing to earn money (points). There are times we WIN and times we LOSE. There are rules for the game of life – try not showing up for work to understand this point. And there is start and end.
These games keep us entertained, challenged and engaged. Every time we are too comfortable, we need to change the game to keep ourselves going. Imagine! sitting in your living room, changing channels on the TV, you are restless and then suddenly a friend comes in and takes you for a game of basketball – suddenly he changed the game you’re in… and what’s better! You find yourself enjoying the new game you’re in.
This is the underlying foundation of why Gaming is so popular on social networks like facebook, myspace and bebo. Your friends keep pushing the bar of the game you are in and you enjoy the time spent with them. You can form guilds and communities with your friends and discover new friends who have similar interests to accomplish big milestones. Many games give you the choice to pick an Avatar that speaks to your favorite fantasy character. Most importantly, the fun is in planning and coordinating with your friends… and of course, Winning!
It is clear that the intent of gaming and social media is to bring SOCIAL back into the game.
Here are the trends that show how social networks are integrating with games.
1. Play Games on Facebook:
Looking for a new game to play? Discover games on Facebook — Tetris, Bowling, Scrabble and more. Games: Better with friends.
2. Twitter and Facebook on XBOX 360
Social Media and Live gaming on Xbox
So, let the games BEGIN…
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Contributed by Deepika Bajaj, President and Founder, Invincibelle, LLC. Invincibelle helps women who live and work in a multicultural world to accelerate their professional growth.
Deepika is also the author of the book DiversityTweet: Embracing the growing diversity in our world.
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