Back to the Metaverse

Abstract

The metaverse is not a new concept; since 2005, online platforms have been experimenting with 3D virtual worlds, which are permanent spaces built by users. The most successful experience in this regard was Second Life, which rekindled the previous hype around the metaverse between the end of 2006 and the beginning of 2007. Through the narrative of the reports taken with the avatar Marco Manray, the early history of Second Life is retraced, comparing it to recent attempts at creating a metaverse. The topic of in-game photography is also introduce.