There have been several efforts to define1, 2 what exactly a Social Virtual World is and we encourage you to visit our forum and participate in this ongoing discussion on how to refine and improve such definitions. In general, however, a Social Virtual World has the following key characteristics:
A Social Virtual World has game like immersion and social media functionality without narrative driven goals. At its core is a sense of presence with others at the same time and place (Nick Wilson, Metaversed.com).3
While not comprehensive, below is a growing list of social virtual worlds either already on the market or to be launched shortly. Click on their link to view or add information about each virtual world.
A List of Social Virtual Worlds
- AlphaWorld
- Entropia Universe
- Faketown
- HiPiHi
- Kaneva
- Ogoglio City
- Playstation Home
- ProtoSphere
- Red Light Center
- Second Life
- There.com
- Virtual Worlds
- vSide
Teen & Pre-Teen Worlds
- Cyworld
- Dance Battle Audition
- Dubit
- Gaia Online
- Habbo Hotel
- Idea Seeker Universe
- IMVU
- Millsbery
- Mokitown
- MTV's Virtual Worlds: MTV Video Music Awards
- MTV's Virtual Worlds: The Real (Virtual) World
- MTV's Virtual Worlds: The Virtual Hills
- MTV's Virtual Worlds: Virtual Ford Model Search
- MTV's Virtual Worlds: Virtual Kaya
- MTV's Virtual Worlds: Virtual Laguna Beach
- MTV's Virtual Worlds: Virtual Lower East Side
- MTV's Virtual Worlds: Virtual Newport Harbor
- MTV's Virtual Worlds: Virtual Pump My Ride
- MTV's Virtual Worlds: Virtual Skate Park
- Playdo
- Runescape
- Stardolls
- Teen Second Life
- The Lounge
- Why Robbie Rocks
- Zwinky
Children Worlds
- Barbie Girls
- Be-Bratz
- Club Penquin
- gopets
- Moshi Monstors
- neopets
- Nicktropolis
- Pixie Hollow
- Planet Cazmo
- Toontown
- Tronji
- Ty Girlz
- Virtual Magic Kingdom
- Webkinz
- Whyville
- Zwinktopia
References
1. Raph Koster (2007). What is a Virtual World, http://www.raphkoster.com/2007/06/15/what-is-a-virtual-world. Retrieved on 23.11.07.
2. My Usable Definition for Virtual Worlds (2007), http://blogs.electricsheepcompany.com/joel/?p=33. Retrieved on 23.11.07.
3. Nick Wilson (2007). Social Virtual Worlds, Junior Edition, http://metaversed.com/tags/news/definitions. Retrieved on 24.11.07.
