Linden Lab's Buyout Now Official, Second Life Listed As Part Of Waterfield Network

 
Almost unnoticed at the end of Linden Lab's announcement that the move of Second Life's data to Cloud servers was now complete was an announcement of another kind. When the Lab announced the agreement with a group of investors to be acquired in July, it was mentioned the deal required the approval of the US Government. At the end of Tuesday's announcement, it was stated the approval was finally granted after a review. The big reason for the approval was Linden Lab's money service Tilia.

 Another noteworthy development for the new year is that Linden Lab has new owners! As announced in mid-2020, an investment group led by Randy Waterfield and Brad Oberwager signed an agreement to acquire the company subject to regulatory approval by financial regulators in the U.S. related to Tilia Inc.’s status as a licensed money transmitter as well as other customary closing conditions. We are pleased to share that the regulatory review has been completed and Linden Lab is now under new ownership.  

On the Waterfield Holdings webpage, Second Life was listed as part of the Waterfield Network, alongside other companies such as Goldman Sachs.

And what does this mean for Second Life and it's residents? For now, not much. It was earlier stated that the investors plans were to pretty much let Linden Lab continue to run Second Life as they see fit. In this latest announcement, they hinted the investors would be sending over some money.

While the owners may be new, things are “business as usual” in Second Life. Last year saw strong growth for our virtual world and, as a result of this acquisition we expect even more resources in 2021 to further improve and grow Second Life in the future.  

Hamlet Au in New World Notes would have a few things to say on the topic. Among them, that over time Waterfield would likely send the Lab some directives over time to keep it's profit margin. This likely includes higher fees and more incentives to go Premium.

Hat Tip: Hamlet Au

Bixyl Shuftan

Gen Con Ends, Sims Up Until Aug. 4

Yesterday, Sunday August 2, was the last day of the Gen Con. The gaming convention that went online due to the Coronavirus ran for four days starting on Thursday July 30. The event has been considered a great success for both those who took part, and for Second Life as well as the event brought a number of people here whom hadn't been here for years or had come here for the first time. Taking in account other places on the Internet, "including Twitch, Discord, Zoom, Roll20, and several other virtual tabletop systems," about forty thousand people took part, and played thousands of games. For those whom were new, there were clothing and avatars available to them to avoid "cookie cutter" appearances.

I was told, though I couldn't find confirmation, that Twitch would be permitting footage of Gen Con events from Second Life, even though the virtual world is on it's list of "prohibited games."

On Saturday night, there was a celebration party. A number of the convention-goers met up at a replica of Indianapolis' Union Station (Gen Con was originally going to be at Indianapolis). The crowd was a mix of longtime residents, such as Ceri Quixote, and newcomers.

Although the events are over, the builds will be around for people to enjoy for a little longer. Tuesday August 4 will be the last day. Some places may require joining one of the con groups to get to. It's unknown whether future conventions will have an online portion for those not able to get to the real-life setting. Though if the mood of this one is any guide, it probably will.

Source: Gencon.com

Bixyl Shuftan

Full Circle Club Closes

I recenty heard that the club called “The Full Circle Club,” which I reported on in August, and also held an interview with the owners, has closed it’s doors permanently. The reason of closing is not known. I heard about the group’s closing, after someone who runs the group, sent me an IM notifying me that both the group as well as the club itself, have permanently closed down.

The Full Circle Club was a nice club in which I reported on the Relay For Life event a long while ago. It was nicely designed and the music that was played was nice too. It’s sad to hear that the club is gone.

Farewell, The Full Circle Club !!!

Wesley Regenbogen

Press Release: Burn2 Parcels Sold Out

Burn2 parcels: sold out!

Lottery to close September 7th

Just days before building opens to the public, Burn2 has sold out of all available parcels. The event will boast six regions of art and entertainment thanks to those who have bought parcels and donated land and lindens to the event. A big thank you for all of us with Burn2 for your generosity and support!

If you still want to be a part, though, it is not too late to enter the parcel lottery! for only a L$10 donation your name can be entered. Parcel winners will be determined on Friday, the 7th of September!

We're also always looking for entertainers. You can sign up to perform at one of our stages on our website, www.burn2.org. We also welcome everyone Gridwide to come to the playa and celebrate!

And remember: Burn2 opens to the public on the 20th of October, 2012!

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BURN2 is an extension of the Burning Man festival and community into the world of Second Life. It is an officially sanctioned Burning Man regional event, and the only virtual world event out of more than 100 real world Regional groups.

The BURN2 Team operates events year around, culminating in an annual major festival of community, art and fire in the fall - a virtual echo of Burning Man itself.

We'd like to encourage you to use the following labels and hashtags when you write about the event: Burn2, #burn2 . We will promote those tags to make it easier for people to find your content

Want more information? Check out these resources

Website: http://burn2.org
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/groups/burn2/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/BURN_two
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/burn2/

Reader Submitted: "The Party's Over"

Submitted by Marianne McCann of Bay City, here she looks over the empty landscape of SL9B that was once a bustling region of exhibits and people seeing them.