Virtual Life is for Real – Just ask Google
What will your virtual life be like in 2008? 2009? 2010?
I’m not just talking about the time you spend in the virtual world using the web. I’m talking about “Second Life” or the other programs that simulate the real world.
This is no joke. Bandwidth is getting stronger and stronger in homes. (I reported in late 2006 that 56 percent of residential ISPs are now using broadband). Add to that the fact that graphical interfaces on both video games and computers is getting more and more realistic.
It’s just a matter of time before more and more are using virtual worlds online. In fact, it’s not hard to imagine that more and more of the user interfaces we use will become more and more like a virtual world. Certainly moving a character around a screen is simple enough to understand.
Take a look at the sneak peak of what PlayStation is planning for this fall/winter at this post. It’s amazing.
If you are able to watch that video (the YouTube one) at that post, you’ll note the incredible opportunities this opens up to online marketers in the near future. Notice how many times PlayStation markets the “Gran Turismo” game!
This virtual stuff is for real! Dont believe me? Google does!
In fact, Google is now reported to be using online virtual worlds to compile psychological profiles of the millions of users that are currently using these worlds. This article reports:
The plans are detailed in a patent filed by Google in Europe and the US last month. It says people playing online role playing games such as Second Life and World of Warcraft would be particularly good to target, because they interact with other players and make decisions that probably reflect their behaviour in real life.
The patent says: “User dialogue (eg from role playing games, simulation games, etc) may be used to characterise the user (eg literate, profane, blunt or polite, quiet etc). Also, user play may be used to characterise the user (eg cautious, risk-taker, aggressive, non-confrontational, stealthy, honest, cooperative, uncooperative, etc).”
This is amazing. Google has one eye to the future. Do you?
Popularity: 6% [?]
