While Second Life turning twenty was seen as a near-certainty though far-off date in it's golden age from 2007 to 2008, a few years later, it didn't seem that was as troubled times from 2010 to 2013 led to some doubts and rumors. But enough residents toughed it out, and Linden Lab managed to stay afloat. In comparison to some hit video entertainment a generation earlier, such as Atari games which went downhill after a few years, the virtual world has been far more adaptable and durable. And this year it was time to celebrate the big two-oh.
Second Life is no longer in it's teens.
This year had some things what have been part of birthday celebrations since Linden Lab assumed control a few years ago, such as the Shop and Hop and the Tapestry of Time (though the later was updated). But this year there were some differences. For the first time, people were allowed to bring back an old exhibit from a previous birthday if they wanted to. Also for the first time, there were adult-rated sims set aside for builds that exhibitors there could design of a more graphic nature than would be allowed on a moderate one and for shops selling items of a clearly adult nature. These sims were placed in their own separate areas of the SL20B and the Shop and Hop. This was something of a surprise to many as Linden Lab in the past had mixed feelings about Second Life's more sexual side being talked about.
The theme this year, "Our Fantastic Future," was an appropriate followup to Steampunk for SL19B. But it was also reflective of the optimism often shown by Linden Lab as well as many of the residents. Despite all the problems of today, there's hope for a better world tomorrow. And with Second Life's future being in doubt on occasions in the past, there is certainly reason for such optimism. Some exhibits showed the theme in the form of technology and space travel. But this being a milestone birthday, there was also a reason to look back with pride, hence the number of old exhibits that made a return (or given a 'second life,' pun intended).
Of the announcements made by the Lindens and Moles, the two that got the most attention were the new Linden Homes exclusively for Premium Plus residents, and the new option to get a lifetime option for Premium and Premium Plus accounts. For newcomers, the NUX avatars were almost but not quite ready. For the rest of us, it was announced progress was being made on the mobile viewer, but an open beta wouldn't be available until at least early 2024. While there was excitement about these by a number, there were a few grumbles that this was evidence Lab was mostly interested in money. Perhaps Linden Lab's owner the Waterfield Network has been encouraging them to find ways to make more cash. We can only speculate. But that the Premium Plus homes were quickly snapped up could also be called evidence they were simply responding to demand.
So what will SL21B hold? Who knows. While Second Life may be "old enough to drink," the theme sure won't be beer parties. But this year's theme being about a brighter future, let us look forward to good times for the next year, and beyond. We've made it this far, and no reason to feel we can't for a few more years. While future birthdays that don't end in "5" or "0" may seem a little less special, we'll still find plenty of reason and ways to throw and enjoy a good party.
In the meantime, more time for us at the Newser to write about the people, places, and other events in Second Life.
Bixyl Shuftan
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