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hereKey points:
1.Virtual worlds are instantaneous and allow real time hook ups rather than time lagged, Facebook, My Space, Bebo.
2. Habbo credits exchangeable for real currency, it has 80 million members- bigger than most countries.
3. Virtual worlds are the next big thing and could be as important as the industrial revolution.
4. Entropia Universe, a Swedish virtual world had a turnover of $365million last year & will become the first virtual world to be floated on the stock market.
5. Facebook- people pay real money to send virtual drinks and flowers to their friends.
6. $83 was paid for a virtual Levis jacket for their avatar a real world one would cost $78.
7. In China $30billion is being invested in a 6x6 mile site to build the Beijing Cyber Recreation Project which will host 9 or 10 virtual worlds all of which will be capable of supporting over 150 million avatars, not just for fun but to boost economy by allowing buyers to buy direct from Chinese manufacturers in virtual malls.
8.
Stardoll- 6 million users, 93% female, fame, fashion and friends.
9. Useful for remote working, collaborative projects and anonymous counselling.
IBM have 5,000 people working virtually - quest to make virtual worlds 'inter-operable'.