These types of virtual worlds are more open-ended in terms of experience. Social interaction-based virtual worlds, on the other hand, is designed more for interaction, education and training using simulated worlds. Nowadays, most of the virtual worlds out there are represented by this type. These types of virtual worlds are strongly influenced by fantasy and science-fiction. They also use their avatar as players of the games. In this type of virtual world, users play a game that immerses them in that world. There are essentially two types of virtual worlds – entertainment based and social interaction based.Įntertainment-based virtual worlds are basically used for, well, entertainment, focusing mostly on gaming. It has also afforded certain individuals the opportunity to move away from their reality, temporarily. It allows the individuals to simulate real-life actions and decisions. This is probably one of the main reasons why virtual worlds are very popular both in adults and teens.Įssentially, a virtual world is a simulation of a real-like or fantasy-type world where the individual can engage and interact with its environment. There are pretty much no limits when it comes to designing or choosing avatar, so a user can be who or what they want to be in 3D virtual worlds. In a virtual world, users can interact and socialize with each other using their avatars. Individuals or users interact in this virtual world by using avatars.Īvatars are text-based, two-dimensional or three-dimensional graphical models that simulate a person-like image. To give a brief definition, a virtual world is a computer-based online community designed so individuals can interact in a simulated world. With the ability to play a game, be immersed fully in the environment you are playing in, interact with several different people miles away from you and having to create a personality separate from your own, the virtual gaming world has definitely created quite an interest in adults. There were a handful of virtual gaming worlds that have existed, however, it has never been more popular than today. Virtual gaming is relatively not a new thing. With the invention of virtual reality and 3D virtual worlds, more and more adults are going online and connecting to the gaming world.
Now, it is all about 3D virtual worlds, avatars and online gaming. Gone are the days of GameBoys and joysticks.