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Virtual Real Estate

Amsterdam Sells For $50K

— March 31, 2007 — Marketing
Second Life's virtual city of Amsterdam sold for US$50,000 on eBay. The bidding started at $20,000 with the option of buying the city outright for $50,000, which is exactly what user nedstede2769 from the Netherlands did.

The virtual city was created by Second Life user Stroker Serpentine and quickly gained fame among gamers, becoming one of the most popular places in SL.

The simulated city, notorious for its wild party and drug scene closely resembles the real Amsterdam, red light districts and ladies of the night included. The risqué city is a constant party and often one of the first places visited by new users. It is known for being one of the truest-to-life cities in the game, with landmarks and architecture meticulously replicated.

The city was featured in countless print and online publications as well as media events. Virtual Amsterdam has become an infamous online trading ground.

Second Life has also become a new form of marketing tool. Companies looking for publicity can now use the virtual world to display ads of real-world products. This is an excellent way for firms to gain exposure. “Amsterdam,” for example, got a lot of ad space requests from big Netherlands firms.

The internet has been the breeding grounds for a new race which reflects a cultural shift in society that sees us becoming one with technology. Now anyone can be who they want to be, do the things they fantasize about, and, for the right price, become the owner of a famous city.
Trend Themes
1. Virtual Real Estate - Opportunity for individuals and businesses to buy and sell virtual properties, opening up new markets and investment opportunities in the digital realm.
2. Virtual Marketing - Companies can leverage virtual worlds like Second Life to display ads and promote real-world products, offering a unique and interactive way to engage with consumers.
3. Digital Identity Exploration - The online shift towards virtual personas provides individuals with the opportunity to experiment with different identities, fostering self-expression and personal growth.
Industry Implications
1. Virtual Reality - Virtual real estate creates opportunities for developers and platforms in the virtual reality industry to create and facilitate transactions in the digital world.
2. Digital Advertising - The rise of virtual marketing opens up new avenues for digital advertising agencies and companies to reach audiences in immersive virtual environments.
3. Personal Development - The growth of virtual worlds as spaces for personal exploration presents opportunities for life coaches and personal development experts to provide guidance and support in the digital realm.
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