San Diego’s Second Life

Is it art? Is it a parallel universe? Is it an online game?

Is it all of the above?

Second Life is difficult to categorize, but with over eight million registered users, Second Life’s digital universe is growing more elaborate by the day — and attracting attention from a diverse array of real-life businesses.

As the San Diego Union-Tribune noted, as Second Life becomes populated by people from around the world, parts of this online land are taking on the flavors of various locales. Geary Interactive’s home city, San Diego, exists in Second Life as “Diegoland” – a virtual metropolis with digital renderings of San Diego landmarks such as SDSU, the Gaslamp quarter, and Hillcrest. Just like in the real San Diego, you can wander around Balboa Park in Second Life, watch a music performance, and even take classes at San Diego State (for real tuition dollars, and real academic credits).

Second Life represents a unique mix of fantasy and reality because real American currency is used to purchase goods and services in the game. A shopping spree in Second Life can drain your wallet, just like in real life. However, some people have found that Second Life can be a source of revenue and a way to promote themselves and/or their business.

San Diego jazz musician David Patrone, for example, holds virtual performances in Second Life and has seen sales of his CD triple because of his efforts. In addition, more and more real-life companies are building headquarters offices in Second Life. Companies have used Second Life as a virtual meeting place to interview real people for real jobs, and local companies such as San Diego’s Stone Brewery sell virtual beer at their Second Life outpost – for real money.