Virtual Reality and Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games have become entire societies, with relationships and roles that mirror the "real" world. Play includes building homes and businesses, shopping, and exploring virtual worlds in 2-D and 3-D. Some virtual realms are the product of paid services, and others, such as SecondLife, can be a financial investment with huge returns. However it's not necessary to pay to play. Several sites exist where you can create a virtual life at no cost other than your time.
Instructions
1. Determine which virtual world best suits your desires. Some online worlds center around the social aspect of virtual life, others around game play and questing. You can chose from realms that mirror the world outside, long-forgotten antiquity or historical eras, fantasy and medieval realms, or leap into the future.
2. Register for your chosen virtual realm. Download the software they provide and follow installation instructions.
3. Once you have become a member of the community and installed the necessary software, you may begin to create your virtual persona. You will start by creating an "avatar" of yourself -- a virtual person with attributes you choose.
4. Now that you have a virtual identity you begin to construct your virtual life. Most realms provide the opportunity to construct a home, anywhere and any way you wish -- for example a castle in an Atlantis environment. Within the realms you can explore constructed communities, shops and alternate locations.
5. Begin to play. Within the virtual realms you can contact and converse with people worldwide, interact and game with them. You can also virtually discover "real" products via businesses' online presence in shopping and entertainment districts.
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