Virtual FBI agents???
Although I don't play games like Second Life, I follow the various shenanigans that occur there with much interest. Second Life has a currency exchange in which you can convert US dollars into Linden dollars and vice versa. The exponential growth of the virtual population has outstripped the supply of virtual real estate and prices for virtual property has soared, resulting in the creation of at least one person whose Linden dollars could be converted into more than one million US dollars on the Linden exchange.
More recently, automakers and other companies have started building virtual businesses in Second Life. Users can buy the latest virtual cars from the dealerships there and then pimp them out. Users can visit a virtual Circuit City and buy items that will be delivered to their real-world addresses.
Prostitution exists too, although I'm not quite sure how that works between a couple of avatars.
Unfortunately, the party seems poised to end for US citizens. The FBI has sent virtual agents into the casinos in Second Life, as it is illegal for US citizens to participate in online gambling, regardless of the location of server. No word yet if the vice guys are going to start busting people for prostitution next.
More recently, automakers and other companies have started building virtual businesses in Second Life. Users can buy the latest virtual cars from the dealerships there and then pimp them out. Users can visit a virtual Circuit City and buy items that will be delivered to their real-world addresses.
Prostitution exists too, although I'm not quite sure how that works between a couple of avatars.
Unfortunately, the party seems poised to end for US citizens. The FBI has sent virtual agents into the casinos in Second Life, as it is illegal for US citizens to participate in online gambling, regardless of the location of server. No word yet if the vice guys are going to start busting people for prostitution next.