…in Second Life. The Manchester Evening News reports:
MANCHESTER is set to open a virtual version of itself in the internet simulation game Second Life…
The aim is to promote the Manchester `brand’ and raise awareness of the city in the real world.
The move to create a cyber-Manchester is a collaboration between the Urbis museum, Manchester’s Digital Development Agency (DDA) and consultants Clicks and Links.
Subscribers to the Second Life community will be able to meet and chat with real-life Mancunians online and visit exhibitions and events.
Dave Carter, head of DDA, said: “Second Life has succeeded in creating a virtual community of more than two million people.
“By creating a Manchester presence, we will be opening doors to this vast community – and having conversations with a huge range of people that will help shape and advance the city’s digital development.”
Apparently four islands have been bought in Second Life. That’s quite a significant investment, if the guidance is anything to go by:
Islands are priced at US$1,675 for 65,536 square meters (about 16 acres). Monthly land fees for maintenance are US$295.
Interesting…
I’m still a Second Life sceptic, I have to say. Once you are past the initial ‘wow’ factor, that any of this stuff is possible at all, I’m not sure what you’re left with.
[tags]manchester, second life[/tags]