Second Life?

A spokesman for Linden Lab, the company behind popular online roleplaying game Second Life, reported today that its users spend "more time playing Second Life than they do on their actual, you know, lives."

According to promotional literature, Second Life "is a 3-D virtual world entirely built and owned by its residents." Also known as an MMPORG (for Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game), players create online personalities known as 'avatars'.

They can spend hundreds or thousands of dollars - or more - on clothes, real estate and digital possessions. According to a recent Popular Science article, Second Life has a GDP of over $64 million USD.

A Second Life 'hobbyist', Jim Gorunek said that "I have a 4,000 square foot virtual house, a tailored wardrobe, and, oh!, let me show you my flying battleship." Mr. Gorunek, who telecommutes from his Oakland studio apartement, said that only a small minority of gamers lose their sense of proportion regarding the game. "I mean, if you build your own space station or create a virtual army or something; wow, that's out there."

According to a statement, Linden Lab "fully supports its players' lifestyle. Although they may spend more on Second Life than they do on personal grooming products, this is a healthy and enjoyable hobby."