A virtual world is an interactive simulated environment accessed by multiple users through an online interface. Virtual worlds are also called "digital worlds," "simulated worlds" and "MMOG's." There are many different types of virtual worlds, however there are six features all of them have in common:
1. Shared Space: the world allows many
users to participate at once.
2. Graphical User Interface: the
world depicts space visually, ranging in style from 2D "cartoon" imagery to more
immersive 3D environments.
3. Immediacy: interaction takes place
in real time.
4. Interactivity: the world allows users to alter,
develop, build, or submit customized content.
5. Persistence: the
world's existence continues regardless of whether individual users are logged
in.
6. Socialization/Community: the world allows and encourages
the formation of in-world social groups like teams, guilds, clubs, cliques,
housemates, neighborhoods, etc.
