Multi-User Virtual Environments: How to Waste Time Like a Pro

Nothing takes over your life more than MUVEs. I try not to play too many because I know how addicting they can be, especially if you have lots of time on your hands. The very few experiences with MUVE I’ve had were the MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games) I’ve played. Those games are RuneScape, Star Wars: Old Republic, and Elder Scrolls Online. These video games let you explore fictional worlds, create characters, battle evil (or good, depending on your mood), and you are living another life. For example, people who like Star Wars, they can play Old Republic and immerse themselves in the world of Star Wars. How cool is that?!

Another great MUVE is Second Life, which is a virtual world where you have so many possibilities and options. You can build things in the virtual world, chat with others, and connect several other ways. Second Life, which I have not played but I’ve heard others talk about while at school, is great for people from around the world to interact or for friends to explore together. But for people like me who work in a library it can be interesting and helpful. Libraries can build virtual libraries in the game (let's call it a game even though is really not for the sake of discussion) and they can display information (and links) about their library and collection within the virtual world. That’s just crazy to think about because someone from around the world can see information about your library.

But of course any business can use Second Life to their advantage.

Excuse me, I need to go play Elder Scrolls Online and spend eight hours crafting swords I'll never really use and to go on quests while I ride a horse because I'm lazy in my virtual life, too.


- C