Living in a digital world

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Interesting research from comScore for anyone interested in the growth of Second Life. Their “comprehensive worldwide analysis of the active users in Second Life” confirms its growing international popularity, with Germany topping the poll in terms of active residents in March at 209k – just ahead of the US at 207k. UK residents added-up to 72k.

Overall, some 1.3m people were apparently active ‘in world’ in March 2007. Up almost 50% on January. 61% of these were from Europe, 19% from North America and 13% from Asia Pacific.

It’ll be interesting to watch how the world of virtual worlds develops over the rest of the year. Especially following Entropia Universe just being chosen over Second Life by the ‘Cyber Recreation Department’ of the Beijing Municipal People’s Government – to create a “cash-based virtual economy for China” capable of supporting up to 7 million concurrent users. Put in context, Second Life claims around 7 million members overall but simultaneous users currently rarely get above the 40k level.

Given the controversy over Google China and the Golden Shield Project, it’ll also be interesting to see quite how ‘free speech’ will be handled in the Chinese Entropia.

Anyway, until Entropia can offer me a Mrs. Tiggiwinkles charity hedgehog avatar I’m sticking with SL.

June 7, 2007 - Posted by Bryan | Uncategorized