Virtual Worlds News

On Location: The 10 hour Virtual World of Times Square NYC and 1 Million Avatars

It is just after 4pm eastern time and VirtualWorldsNews.com is in the virtual world of Time Square in New York City.  As this photo shows (taken 2 hours ago) many have already created their avatar and come down to stand around, talk, and watch other people stand around, make noise and (if they last long enough) watch a crystal ball drop.

The gathering is just getting started. Many more people expected over the next 8 hours after which this virtual world disappears (only to reappear the same time next year).

1,000,000 avatars are expected to crowd into Time Square and the surrounding Sims by the time midnight rolls around.

Oh yeah, while we're on the subject of New York, the New York Times has an article today on Kids Virtual Worlds - which will be a featured subject of Virtual Worlds 2008 which takes place in New York City April 3-4, 2008.  See you in 2008.

Feature: Steve Prentice, Gartner Analyst, Virtual Worlds 2008 Forecast

The 3DNPVEI and Bitmanagement Software demo was postponed due to technical difficulties, so we'll be checking it out tomorrow, but that means we can present another preview of the Virtual Worlds Management Industry Forecast 2008. Gartner has made a number of predictions about virtual worlds, including the frequently cited claim that 2011  will see 80% of active Internet users involved in virtual worlds. But for a look at what's happening more immediately, we asked Gartner analyst and Vice President Steve Prentice for his predictions. Check out his look at 2008 below. Check out the complete forecast for free here.

Feature: Dan Miller, Senior Economist for the Joint Economic Committee, Virtual Worlds 2008 Forecast

VirtualWorldsNews.com is on holiday break right now, but that doesn't mean we're completely shut down. Check back for our take on 3DNPVEI and Bitmanagement Software's demo tomorrow. But, for now, we'd like to offer you a look at one of the many excellent responses from the Virtual Worlds Management Industry Forecast 2008. One of the recurring predictions our 45 respondents made was that 2008 would bring, for better or worse, increased government involvement and regulation for virtual worlds. As a Senior Economist for the Joint Economic Committee, Dan Miller has his ears to the ground on government's role in virtual worlds. Check out his look at 2008 below. Check out the complete forecast for free here.

Who's New to Virtual Worlds - December 21, 2007, Wrap Up

L’Oréal Paris (UK) has entered Second Life with a celebrity-studded campaign through the help of KZero. More info.

Madrid's Campus de la Justicia is coming to Second Life. More info.

Colgate-Palmolive is also making an entrance to Second Life by giving away free smiles. More info.

Zwinky has partnered with ShoeBuy.com to sell both virtual and real shoes from adidas, Skechers, Jessica Simpson, Tommy Hilfiger, and Dr. Martens. More info.

Samsung Looks to Mesh Consumer Electronics and Virtual Worlds

Two job opportunities for  Samsung's Computer Science Lab (CSL) have been posted on VirtualWorldsJobs.com with a focus on interoperability and consumer electronics. The posts mention that the Computer Science Lab is "developing core VW [virtual worlds] technologies which enhance the virtual world experience on CE [consumer electronics] devices" and is looking for an Interoperability Researcher who will "be responsible for both the design and prototype implementation of the future convergence of virtual worlds and the internet technologies and their use on consumer electronics products and be responsible for developing demos and prototypes."

New Job Listings from Samsung, Makena, Sony, Areae, Nextpert

Time to look for that new gig?  Just in time for the end of the year we have a host of new job listings on sister site VirtualWorldsJobs.com, including positions from Samsung, Makena, Sony, Areae and Nextpert. Check out the latest below:

- Virtual Worlds Project Lead at Samsung Information Systems America (San Jose, California)
- Virtual Worlds Interoperability Researcher at Samsung Information Systems America (San Jose, California)
- ARTISTS EXPERIENCED IN VIRTUAL WORLDS at NEXTPERT (New York, New York)
- Business Development Manager at Makena Technologies, Inc. (San Mateo, California)
- Project Manager - PlayStation Network at Sony Computer Entertainment America (San Mateo, California)
- Sony PlayStation: Home Produce at Sony Computer Entertainment America (San Mateo, California)
- Senior Flash Programmer at Areae (San Diego, California)

Feature: After Tumultuous Month, Developers Remain Optimistic

Earlier this week we reported that The Electric Sheep Company had let go 22 employees, about 1/3 of its workforce. A week before that, we reported that Linden Lab had let go its Chief Technical Officer, Corey Ondrejka. In spite of the tumultuous past few weeks, other developers in the virtual worlds space are still optimistic. "The most tangible evidence of our confidence in the virtual worlds space is the fact that we're actively recruiting for 8 open positions at the moment," said Mat Small of Millions of Us.  "We'd encourage your readers to check our website for details and to apply." David Post of NextPert put out a similar offer with an explicit focus on ex-Sheep.

Disney Internet Group Gets New CTO

A.D. ''Bud'' Albers has been named Chief Technical Officer of the Disney Internet Group. Beginning in the new year, Albers, who most recently served as Senior Vice President & CTO for MediaNet Digital,  will be "will be responsible for leading technological breakthroughs on existing platforms as well as developing cutting-edge new technology solutions in support of the company’s new media technology needs."  Disney has been extremely active in the virtual worlds space over the last year, most notably in the acquisition of Club Penguin, whose founders joined the DIG.   “Bud’s depth and breadth of experience in complex technology solutions and global business challenges will be invaluable to us as we pursue our mission to offer a compelling mix of interactive entertainment and information content and services for Internet and mobile devices for audiences around the world,WDIG President Steve Wadsworth said in a statement.  “His technical knowledge combined with his strategic thinking will help us achieve our vision of a world where users can access The Walt Disney Company content, including Disney-branded characters and stories, ABC news and entertainment and ESPN sports coverage and analysis, anytime and anywhere.”

Interview: Xivio on lnvestment

We reported earlier this week that kid's world Xivio was seeking investment or partnerships. It sounds like the announcement has already garnered some interest from serious players, though no deals have been finalized. Not three months ago, though, President/CEO David Wisotzky wasn't interested in financing. With the mass of kids worlds expected to come out this year, his turnaround sheds light on the competition. "About two weeks ago I started talking with someone from one of the VC companies," Wisotzky explains. "We've been online for about a year and half. Our user count is going up pretty well, but you need a company like Miniclip to get you noticed these days.  I got in touch with Miniclip, and they said they were working with Club Penguin and that's basically it."

 

What Are YOUR 2008 Predictions and Business Goals

VirtualWorldsNews.com wants to know your industry predictions and business goals for 2008. Answer the following questions on your own blog and then post a link to your blog entry in the comments section below. If you don't have a blog you can just post your answers in the comments below. These are the same questions we asked 45 industry leaders in the Virtual Worlds Management Industry Forecast 2008.  No cheating, answers must be supplied before Jan. 1, 2008.

1. What are your top 3 trend predictions for 2008?
2. What business goals have you set for 2008?
3. What challenges do you expect 2008 to bring for the virtual worlds industry?
4. A number of new platforms are launching in 2008. What are the biggest impacts this will have on the industry?
5. How will the above changes affect your specific segment of the industry in 2008?