As far as simulator games go, the Sims are one of the most well known simulator games out there. There isn’t a player who played a life simulator, but has not played a Sims game. However, there are alternatives and some of them have been active for a while now. Alternatives like Second Life have been around since 2003. That seems like a long time to go without knowing that a game like the Sims exists, and that it is available online, for free.
Here is everything that you need to know about Second Life, a video game unlike any other.
Second Life – A Life Simulator
Second Life was released in 2003 and was and is developed by Linden Lab. The game is not actually a game, according to the developers, because it lacks an objective or conflict which typically exist in games. The simulator was built to be more user-centered rather than game-center after founder Philip Rosedale noticed at a 2001 meeting that the participants were more open to a user-centered experience, rather than one which is more about a clear objective in a typical video game fashion. Upon launch, the simulator didn’t get much attention, but that changed in the coming years, specifically in 2006.
The Growth of Second Life
Simulator games are not that common nowadays, other than specialized games which deal with one aspect of the world and one job, like pilot or business tycoon, but in a specific industry, let’s say railroad.
Second Life is all of that and nothing of that. You can simply create an avatar and live life as you see fit. Most people just choose to chill and relax, interacting with other people. The whole point of the project, the simulation, is for people to interact with other people. This is a simulator as much as it is a social platform, allowing people to relax while also socializing.
Why is It Still Played?
While some would not call it playing, Second Life is all about your avatar and their virtual life, as well as socialization. The game has a very evolved economy system that can reward meticulous players, particularly those whose avatar ends up being successful, whether as a trader or in any other profession. The first reason for playing has to be with the reality of the game, which has moments that you would normally associate with real life.
However, the game features aspects which allow users to socialize with one another. This is the second and maybe more important reason as to why so many people are still playing the game. It helps that the game is free, but socialization remains one of the top reasons for playing Second Life.
Why Socialize in Second Life?
Well, video games and avatars give people a decent cover. How much goes through the avatar depends on teh person in question and who they are talking to. Avatars give the users anonymity and those with social anxiety can find it easier to get to know someone in game, rather than in real life, whether through chat or in person.
Second Life is a great life simulator, which according to the developers, is not a game. You can live a virtual life, socialize and enjoy your time, all of that for free.
