3 Free Online Virtual Worlds

Virtual Worlds are computated replica’s of the real world. They’re extensive multi-user experiences, in which one can meet new people, or pursue forgotten dreams.

What’s so great about these Virtual Worlds, is that they allow people to get a taste of alternative realities.

People can put on other people’s skins; the shy clerk can become an impulsive casanova. The bad guys get a lick of benevolence, and vice versa. These virtual world systems can be immense multiplayer role playing games. Release yourselves on these other worlds, and play your part in the alternative realities.

Not that there aren’t any people who remain themselves in these games. Besides the role playing aspect, these virtual worlds make for great social grounds. Meet new people, or hold a rendez-vous of friends. Have fun in a blown-up instant messaging universe, with tons of social activities.

Today we’ll take a look at the different available virtual world systems. Some are very popular, others you might hear of for the first time. One of them should certainly fit you.

Second Life

Second Life is without any doubt the most wide-spread Virtual World, and chances you’ve heard from it are close to 1.

It’s a huge free virtual experience, with tons of user-created worlds and environments. Go to the park, a pub, or even to a dancing on a colonised asteroid, the possibilities are endless.

Last year, Tina also wrote a post on another side of Second Life, addressing the educational aspect and support groups. You can check it out here.

Kaneva

Unlike Second Life, Kaneva has a more specific array of activities, primarily focussing on virtual shopping (for which you’ll need to spend real-life money, sadly) and entertainment. The game primarily covers dancings and other social meeting places.

Kaneva also tries blending the real world in the game, by implementing picture albums and youtube videos. It’s not as big as Second Life, but still covers for a more than reasonable userbase, with over a million registered members and tons of communities.

There

There, your friends are here. A great virtual world to escape real life and chat real-time with friends from all over the world. The game has a great chat system, but also enables you to participate in other activities, like scavenger hunts, hoverboard racing, and island exploring.

You can also put your own hand to There, by decorating your virtual home, or even designing new items.

And these are just some of the available online Virtual Worlds. There are tons of these, both realistic as absurd. A lot of them are alike for the biggest part, but there are small nuances that make the difference and determine their fan base.

Which do you like, and why? Tell us about it in the comments!