Second Life Goes Mobile: Experience the Virtual World Anywhere, Anytime!

Second Life is an online virtual world that was launched in 2003 by the American company Linden Lab. Although it is no longer as popular as it once was, this pioneering attempt at a “metaverse” still functions and has a loyal group of PC users. Soon, it will also be available on smartphones, with a beta version set to be released by the end of the year.

In a video posted on the Second Life community forum, Linden Lab revealed some details about the mobile app that is currently being developed on the Unity platform, one of the most famous game engines for video games. This will make it easier to distribute the app on both iOS and Android. The video also shows some gameplay scenes featuring 3D characters and environments that will be made as similar as possible to the desktop version.

Although development is still a “work in progress,” Linden Lab has stated that it plans to transfer all existing player data and information to the mobile version. Essentially, it will be possible to do “virtually anything you can do with the desktop version of Second Life without necessarily being on a PC.”

A second life for Second Life. This is undoubtedly the most fitting wordplay for this gaming platform that, despite having its ambitions significantly scaled back, has managed to create 73 million accounts to date. During the pandemic, the number of monthly active users reached 900,000.

The Masterful Filmmaker of Second Life: Discovering the Artistry of Sabina Valeska

Sabina Valeska is an exceptional filmmaker in Second Life who has created highly inspiring cinematic videos for other filmmakers and YouTubers. With her simple and calm style, Sabina has captured the attention of many viewers.

One of Sabina’s distinctive features is her simple and low-key cinematic style, without too many effects. Her shots are composed to tell the story rather than to emphasize the visual aspect. This is something not all filmmakers can do, but Sabina does it with extraordinary naturalness and mastery.

Moreover, the colors in her videos are never too bright, which helps to create a serene and relaxing atmosphere. Sabina has excellent attention to detail, which is reflected in her videos, where every visual element is carefully chosen to contribute to the narrative.

But what truly sets Sabina Valeska apart is her ability to inspire other filmmakers. Many have stated that they have been inspired by her videos and have learned much from her. Sabina not only creates extraordinary videos but is also an excellent teacher. She willingly shares her tips and techniques with others, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and constantly improve.

I interviewed her to learn more about her machinima inspiration and style.

Oema: What inspired you to become a filmmaker in Second Life, and how did you start with it?

Sabina: My passion for movies and music videos has always been a driving force in my life, and in the real world, I studied Audio Visual and worked at a local TV station, paving the way for me to enter the world of video-making. When I first discovered Second Life in 2009, I was amazed at its endless possibilities, allowing me to explore and create things beyond my reach in the physical world. In 2019, I made my first video. From that moment on, I realized that creating videos in Second Life positively impacted my mental health by serving as an emotional outlet and keeping me alive. I continued to make videos, focusing mainly on landscape, cinematic, and music videos, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my work with others.

Oema: Can you tell us about your creative process when creating videos in Second Life, from conceptualization to production?

Sabina: When an idea inspires me, I conduct quick research to ensure it is achievable. Then, I write the script in my mind and begin filming, often working spontaneously without creating a storyboard beforehand.

Oema: How do you approach finding meaningful and inspiring themes for your videos, and what kind of messages do you hope to convey to your audience?

Sabina: Second Life is a source of inspiration for me, and visiting beautiful sims often sparks ideas for my videos. I always strive to include a meaningful message in each video, focusing primarily on psychology, conveying that it is okay not to be okay. As someone who struggles with depression, I channel my emotions into my work, turning my sadness into something that can inspire and entertain my audience.

https://youtu.be/EPYhoVB8yAA

Oema: What technical challenges do you encounter when creating videos in Second Life, and how do you overcome them?

Sabina: While filming, I typically do not face major issues, although lag can sometimes be a concern when shooting in crowded places like nightclubs or big events.

Oema: How do you incorporate the immersive and interactive nature of Second Life into your videos, and what kind of reactions have you received from viewers?

Sabina: My videos reflect my real-life feelings, and I tend to create dreamy and calming videos. The dreamy scenes within Second Life are a constant source of inspiration for me.

Oema: Can you share some of your most memorable video creations and what made them stand out for you?

Sabina: “Return to Innocence” is one of my favorite videos, and it holds a special place in my heart as it was the video that won me my first award in Second Life.

Oema: How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in Second Life, and how do you adapt your creative vision accordingly?

Sabina: Machinima is an art form that is closely tied to technology. As 3D technology evolves and develops, filmmakers must stay up-to-date with the latest techniques. Thankfully, Linden Lab is continually working to implement new features that will benefit us all.

Oema: How do you collaborate with other creatives in Second Life, such as musicians or writers, to enhance the impact of your videos?

Sabina: Second Life filmmakers, musicians, singers, writers, and all other artists form a tight-knit community, with many of us collaborating and sharing our expertise and opinions.

Oema: What equipment and software do you use to create videos, and how do you ensure high-quality production values?

Sabina: I primarily use Adobe Premiere Pro for editing and avoid excessive effects, as I prefer to keep things simple.

Oema: What advice would you give aspiring filmmakers in Second Life who want to express their creativity and tell compelling stories through video?

Sabina: Second Life is not just a game; rather, it serves as a reflection of our real lives, souls, and senses. Over the past 20 years, Second Life has become a rich source of inspiration for artists, including filmmakers. I encourage the new generation of Second Life residents to continue creating videos and keeping the art of Machinima alive. To aspiring filmmakers, always be true to yourself, never stop learning, avoid complacency, collaborate and share knowledge with fellow filmmakers, and most importantly, stay inspired.

In conclusion, Sabina Valeska is one of the most exceptional filmmakers in Second Life. Her straightforward yet effective style has won the hearts of many viewers and inspired numerous other filmmakers. We hope she continues to create incredible videos and inspire others to do the same.

If you are an aspirant filmmaker, you may be interested in joining this Second Life Discord Video Makers Community: >> Second Life Video Creators <<

Sabina Valeska’s Socials

Facebook | Flickr | Youtube

Relax in Second Life by Visiting Breathtaking Landscapes: How to Find Serenity Even in Virtual Reality

Have you ever felt stressed and overwhelmed with the need to escape from your daily routine and find a moment of peace? Stress can be overwhelming, affecting not only your mood but also your physical health. This is why it is essential to find ways to relax and recharge. In this blog post, we will explore different ways to reduce stress and anxiety, both in nature and in the virtual world of Second Life.

The hero’s journey of finding inner peace in Second Life will take you through three stages: the call to adventure, the journey, and the return.

The call to adventure: You have been feeling stressed and overwhelmed and need a break. You want to escape from your daily routine, but you can’t go outside. You need a solution that can help you relax and reduce stress. This is when you hear about Second Life and how it can offer a virtual escape to stunning landscapes. You wonder if it is worth trying.

The journey: The journey to find inner peace and relaxation in Second Life can be challenging, but it is also a rewarding experience. First, consider spending time in nature virtually. Second Life offers a variety of virtual landscapes that can give you the sensation of being in nature. Explore them, and find the one that resonates with you the most. Whether you prefer beaches, mountains, forests, or even outer space, there is a virtual place for you.

Where Our Journey Begins - 360 GRADI Magazine
Where our journey begins – Second Life Destination
https://flic.kr/p/2mx2jXM
Nelipot – Second Life Destination

Another option to reduce stress in Second Life is practicing mindfulness and physical activities, such as yoga or tai chi. These activities can help you relax your body and mind, reducing stress and anxiety levels. In Second Life, you can find groups and communities that practice these activities, making them even more enjoyable.

Finally, consider using mental escape pictures to reduce stress and anxiety. Second Life offers the opportunity to capture and share images of virtual landscapes that can be therapeutic and relaxing during times of stress.

The return: After exploring the virtual world of Second Life and finding ways to reduce stress and anxiety, it is time to return to the real world. However, the journey does not end here. The experience gained in Second Life can inspire you to find ways to relax and recharge in the real world, too. Consider spending more time in nature, practicing mindfulness and physical activities, and taking mental escape pictures. These simple practices can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, improve your mood, and boost happiness and well-being.

Wrong opinions and practical solutions:

  1. Spending time in a virtual world is not real, and it cannot help reduce stress and anxiety.” This is a wrong opinion. Studies show virtual reality can positively affect mental health and well-being.
    While it cannot replace physical experiences, it can still offer a virtual escape to stunning landscapes and activities that can help reduce stress and anxiety.
  2. Practicing yoga and tai chi in a virtual world is not as effective as doing it in the real world.” This is a wrong opinion. While physical contact and interaction can enhance the experience, practicing mindfulness and physical activities in a virtual world can still be beneficial. It can help you relax your body and mind, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve your overall well-being.
  3. Mental escape pictures are ineffective in reducing stress and anxiety levels.” This is a wrong opinion. Studies show that mental escape pictures can be therapeutic and relaxing during stress. Virtual landscapes captured in Second Life can offer a similar experience, providing a virtual escape that can help reduce stress and anxiety levels.

In conclusion, finding ways to reduce stress and anxiety is vital for your well. So, if you’re looking for a way to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature, why not try visiting some of the beautiful landscapes in Second Life?
Furthermore, to enhance the relaxation experience, you could also try practicing yoga or tai chi in one of these virtual scenarios to achieve an even greater state of mental and physical calmness.
Additionally, virtual photography can also be a great technique to further enhance the relaxation experience. By exploring and capturing the beauty of these wonderful landscapes, you can create a sense of peace and serenity while practicing your photography skills. So, why not take some virtual photos in Second Life to relax and unwind?

The Peace of Mind
My relax photos activity

New Mesh Bodies in Second Life: A Vicious Cycle for Designers and Users Alike

The introduction of new mesh bodies in Second Life has posed several challenges not only for designers but also for users.

Designers have had to face the difficulty of choosing which bodies to make refits and rig clothes for. It’s a significant challenge considering the multiple operations they have to carry out before reaching the finished product. Adding new bodies to adapt and rig their creations is particularly demanding for designers.

However, the situation is not any better on the customer’s side. The difficulty designers face in adding new bodies for refit and rigging their items means that customers hardly find compatible clothes with their newly acquired mesh bodies. It’s a bit of a vicious cycle.

I belong to the group of people who have taken a step back, returning to old choices concerning mesh bodies and abandoning new ones precisely because of the lack of compatible clothes and objects with the newly purchased body.

This situation seems to be the case for many other people I’ve talked to. The difficulty in finding clothes, jewelry, or any other item to enhance and personalize one’s avatar leads customers to go back to their old choices to have a more significant number of compatible items to choose from.

One question that arises is whether designers can rig for as many bodies as possible to encourage customers to use the newly released mesh bodies in the market.

On Discord, we’ve started a survey on customers’ difficulties in finding compatible items with their latest generation mesh bodies. If you’d like to join the survey and share your opinion, I’ll leave the link to our Discord server.

>> Join us on Discord <<

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