What is a Virtual World?
Even as an individual who has a deep understanding of virtual worlds, there isn’t a set definition as to what a virtual world is. This is mainly because each individual uses a virtual world platform for something different. For example, my definition of a virtual world is going to come more from a creative aspect because that is what I use them for. For someone else, it could come from a business viewpoint. They could want to start a business in a virtual world in hopes it will take off. In this case, their virtual world experience would be more business-oriented. However, the most common is the individual who wants to escape reality. Virtual worlds are highly popular among individuals who try to escape their reality for one reason or another. This is because there isn’t a set goal or quests you have to go through like you would in a video game. You can do anything and be anything you want in a virtual world, and this is what ropes people in.
My definition of what a virtual world is would be; “A creative outlook and an expansive world where I can meet new people, network, pursue my creativity in interior design and create an online presence both through my avatar and land (or room depending on the virtual world).” With my viewing virtual worlds from a creative standpoint, everything to me is considered a blank canvas. A canvas in which an entire online community comes together and inhabits a vast online world that they create themselves.
However, my friend, who has been with me on my virtual world journey and has experienced them for himself sees it as both an escape and means of business. He knows virtual worlds won’t supplement his income but its something he enjoys as he is a workaholic in the real world, so when he relaxes he still needs to be doing something productive. His idea of a virtual world is; “A vast playing field of various blocks of ‘land’ that creates a full online world and is inhabited by a community of individuals who want to network, meet, and create. Just like an individual would experience in reality,” This proves that there are various definitions of what a virtual world is but these are just a few examples that explain it.
Nonetheless, it is essential to note that virtual worlds aren’t considered video games. You’re probably wondering how? Or why? And this is because, for the most part, video games no matter what even if their open-world has an end or end goal that you obtain. Not only that but video games also have quests, NPC’s, and a million different other things, for the most part, no matter what you’re always on a set path to reach the end of the game at some point. They also have story lines and dialogue throughout. Virtual worlds don’t unless you want them too. Virtual worlds are just like living in the real world but without the commitment. It has its own currency, pets, avatars, space to make your own whether it’s land or a room, and experiences that you make on your own or with others. Virtual worlds help to provide, for example; people like me instant gratification because everything is immersive and at your fingertips. You can have anything and do anything you want. Virtual worlds have more freedom then video games and are more than just a glorified chatroom.
Every avatar you see is a person behind a computer screen. Not everyone is on a virtual world platform for the same thing, so it’s important to respect people whether their reasons are ‘kosher’ or not. Virtual worlds give so many opportunities to individuals I highly recommend getting into them as they can be used in various ways. They can be used for education, experiencing new places, travel, shopping, building, etc. The sky is the limit. They are what you want it to be, and I hope this has not only convinced you to take that journey and explore the virtual world industry but will also show you that there is so much to life both online and offline.
