Introduction
In 2007, Gartner predicted that “by the end of 2011, 80 percent of active Internet users (and Fortune 500 enterprises) will have a ‘second life’, but not necessarily in Second Life.”
As we approach the end of 2011, it’s safe to say that we’re far short of the 80 percent mark, as far as 3D avatars (in virtual worlds) go. It does seem clear, however, that the 80 percent figure is quite accurate if you consider the “second life” to be social networks. In fact, I then think the prediction turns out to be perfect.
Virtual Worlds: Where We’re Headed
3D virtual worlds (Second Life being the most prominent) never caught on in a mass market, the way that Facebook and Twitter have. I think social networks will see continued growth in adoption and usage, while the use of general-purpose, “open use” 3D virtual worlds continues to diminish.
I think “worlds” are dead. The future is all about self-contained solutions. And the future is now.
FountainBlue Virtual Worlds Panel
On September 30, 2011, I’ll be moderating the following panel for this FountainBlue event:
FountainBlue’s Third Annual Virtual Worlds Annual Conference
Topic: Virtual Worlds: Where We Were, Where We’re Going, What Does It Mean to YOU?
Date & time: Friday, September 30, from 8:30 until 10:30 a.m.
Location: EMC, 2831 Mission College Blvd., Santa Clara, in their San Francisco Conference Room on the Third Floor
Cost: $22 members, $32 partners, $42 general
Facilitator Dennis Shiao, Director of Product Marketing, INXPO
Panelist Andrea Leggett, Senior Product Marketing Manager, EMC
Presenting Entrepreneur Parvati Dev, President, Innovation in Learning
Presenting Entrepreneur Raj Raheja, Founder and CEO, Heartwood Studios
For more information and to register, visit http://www.svvirtualworlds.com.
My Premise: It’s All About Vertical Solutions
I’ll plan to float my premise to our panel and invite them to share their thoughts. The premise, of course, is that the “worlds” in “virtual worlds” is dead and the path to success (and profit) is to build focused solutions that directly solve business problems. Consumer-based virtual worlds told us that you can’t be all things to all people.
Consider the vertical approach that two panelists’ companies are taking:
Innovation in Learning: Solutions (Healthcare)
- CliniSpace™ – Virtual Hospitals and Clinics
- DynaPatients™ – Virtual Patients
Heartwoord Studios: Solutions (Military)
- Virtual Training
- Handheld and Mobile Apps
- Immersive Marketing
- Augmented Reality
- Simulation Ready Modeling
Conclusion
Do you have thoughts to share on this topic? Feel free to join us in Santa Clara, CA on September 30th. The event is meant for “Entrepreneurs, Intrapreneurs and Investors only. No service providers please.” In addition, I invite you to use the comments section below to share your thoughts on my premise.
