1. The Guardian (UK) - China used prisoners in lucrative internet gaming work. "As a prisoner at the Jixi labour camp, Liu Dali would slog through tough days breaking rocks and digging trenches in the open cast coalmines of north-east China. By night, he would slay demons, battle goblins and cast spells. Liu says he was one of scores of prisoners forced to play online games to … [Read more...] about The Watch – virtual worlds in the news
General News
Emotion transference: Telenoid
This story appeared earlier this week over at sister-site Metaverse Health. As a clinician fascinated by the use of new technologies to achieve outcomes, it's hard to go past anything that is looking at bridging the divide between human emotions / touch and technology. Telenoid is one such project. It's aim is to provide an effective way to transfer people's presence. The … [Read more...] about Emotion transference: Telenoid
Avatars and body image: further research participants needed
A little over a year ago we reported on a research study underway into the link between avatars and body image. That research has been continuing ever since and the initial results were inconclusive. PhD student Jon-Paul Cacioli wants to delve a little deeper on a few things, so there's a follow-up survey for any male over the age of 18 who has an avatar in a virtual world. … [Read more...] about Avatars and body image: further research participants needed
The Watch – virtual worlds in the news
1. PC World (USA) - Companies Explore Private Virtual Worlds. "Meetings, conferences and training programs in a 3D virtual world such as Second Life can be more engaging and productive than traditional online sessions and phone calls, and much less expensive than face-to-face meetings requiring travel. But some companies aren't willing to take on the security and compliance … [Read more...] about The Watch – virtual worlds in the news
UWA’s third machinima challenge: what a field
The University of Western Australia's active presence in Second Life continues with a vengeance. I was lucky enough to be asked to be on the judging panel for the MachinimUWA III: Journeys competition. The panel this time includes director Peter Greenaway and you can view the full list of judges at the bottom of this post. Fifty pieces of machinima were submitted, with the … [Read more...] about UWA’s third machinima challenge: what a field