Linden Lab Announces "Creator Partnership Program"

 

Yesterday on Wednesday April 23 in the official blog, Linden Lab announced the "Second Life Creator Partnership Program." It's described purpose is to get the Lab together with builders "to co-create content and experiences" that will attract the attention of the virtual world's residents.

 

As part of our broader 2025 efforts to improve the newcomer experience, we’ve already kicked things off with some new amazing community partnerships. Later this week, we’ll reveal more details about our new Avatar Welcome Pack developed in collaboration with several well-known community creators. In addition, we’ve already announced new partnerships this year with acclaimed game and experience creator MadPea and premiere shopping destination Seraphim. 

Now, we’re looking to expand our community collaborations even further – and we invite creators of all types to help us build and improve the next generation of Second Life new user experiences and beyond. Whether you’re a fashion designer, avatar builder, home goods creator, experience developer, or just someone with a standout idea—we want to hear from you. 

 

 

Currently, the Lab is interested in help with three things. One is "Welcome Packs," free items for new residents, such as clothing, avatar accessories, and home furnishings. For older residents, the Lab also wants help in making "Community Perks." Thirdly, the Lab is also interested in help in improving their Community Gateways "for even more high-quality, welcoming destinations optimized for new users across both broad and specific communities and themes."

 

Those interested in taking part in a collaboration are asked to fill out an application (here).  It's also encouraged to sign up to take part in a Zoom call the Lab occasionally hosts.

 

For more information, Click Here.  

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Linden Lab Partners With Speedlight Mobile Viewer, Offering Premium Plus Benefit

 

 For years, there's been talk about accessing Second Life through a mobile viewer. Linden Lab never had one of it's own, but there were third-party clients. Years ago, the best was probably Lumiya, but for some time it hasn't been updated and presumably has become unusable. A few years ago, Linden Lab started working on a mobile-capable platform. But last October, it announced it was pausing development. Development had reportedly been "stagnant" for months, presumably on trying to resolve technical issues.

Another mobile client available is Speedlight. It's been around at least since early 2020. Earlier this week, Linden Lab announced they were partnering with Speedlight, offering unlimited time on the mobile viewer as part of it's Premium Plus perks.

The Speedlight mobile app is already popular with many of our community members since it enables Residents to stay connected with Second Life while on the go, and now Premium Plus subscribers get access to additional Speedlight benefits: no online time limitations along with prioritised online support. Now you can enjoy Second Life on your mobile devices (or in a web browser) with the freedom to stay connected as long as you like! To get these benefits, all you need to do is access Second Life using SpeedLight with your Premium Plus account.

 

 

While most of Speedlight's features are free to use, there's only a limited time one can use it per month. For more time, one either had to buy it or subscribe to a gold account. And now there's the option of signing up for Premium Plus. But how much of a perk is this?

 

Trying it out with an alt on my webbrowser, the viewer did allow you to check where your avatar was, as well as who was around it. You could also check one's friend list to see who was on and groups, as well as nearby chat. There is also a 3D view, but it's considerably less detailed than regular SL viewers, unlike what the picture with the Lab's announcement suggests. Surroundings are simplified, and one's avatar appears as a stick figure. One can move around and jump, but there's no sound or music, and one may get stuck at a sim crossing.

In a thread in the official forums, comments were somewhat mixed, overall favorable. The one big complaint was that the picture in the announcement was misleading. A few commented the perk would probably be of best use to merchants, who could use it when away from their computer to check up on business.

The partnership between Linden Lab and Speedlight marks the second time in a month the Lab as made a deal with someone offering an SL product not owned by them. Speedlight was developed by Glaznah Gassner. 

Source: Modem World

Bixyl Shuftan

Zenescope

 

So what is the Zenescope? This area in Second Life, an exclusive partnership with the acclaimed comic book publisher Zenescope, is described as not just a place, but an "exciting new virtual world experience." There are games such as the Hedge Maze and Goblin Golf, and shops where you can get limited edition items. Gemma Cleanslate decided to drop in for a look around. So what did she think?

Read Gemma's article in Places.
 

Second Life Destinations: The Zenescope Metaverse comes to Second Life

Created in an exclusive partnership with the acclaimed comic book publisher Zenescope, the all-new Zenescope Metaverse is bursting with magic and mystery. In this week’s “Second Life Destinations” video, Zenescope co-founder Ralph Tedesco gives an exclusive “first look” at this exciting new virtual world experience. 

Immerse yourself and discover the many secrets hidden across this vast Second Life region offering dark and twisted games and experiences inspired by the Zenescope universe. In partnership with Epik, visitors can snag limited edition collectibles inspired by heroes, villains, and Zenescope favorites such as Cinderella (a.k.a. “Cindy, the serial killer princess”), Belle, the Mad Hatter, and more.

This huge region is so highly detailed that it might just take several visits to see everything. Start your journey in the wide courtyard where you can connect with others before exploring. As you traverse this enchanted realm of flowing brooks and glistening flowers, keep an eye out for hidden locations and easter eggs referencing some of Zenescope’s most iconic tales. 

Meet new friends as you wind your way through the Hedge Maze and discover games that you can play together like the whimsical Goblin Golf. Don’t miss the special quest to score the ultimate prize -- but beware of the Jabberwocky, among other fantastical creatures.

Experience storytelling and comic books in a whole new way at the Zenescope Metaverse -- check it out exclusively in Second Life. 

Video production credits: Draxtor Despress
 

An Event to Remember

Yesterday, June 8th, was a momentous day for me in Second Life, and for Jasmine Dawn, my friend, and now my partner and spouse in Second Life.

Thank all of you who showed up at the ceremony, our friends from our early days on the Grid to now. I don't think HV Community ever had so many people. Your coming by meant a lot.

Pictures by TashaMc Obolensky and Eugenia Burton

*Update* See more pictures of the event on my Flickr: Here.

Bixyl Shuftan