Virtual Worlds Forum

New World Notes has a thoughtful piece around the release of the latest set of Second Life metrics, which claim an active userbase of 538,400 users spending an average of 45 hours a month logged in. This doesn't reflect a significant rise in recent months though:

"As a meaningful community, Second Life is now in a plateau phase, flickering month to month at around 550,000. This despite explosive media attention in October, when the world was featured in two top rated television shows, The Office and CSI: New York."

Should Linden Lab be worried? It all depends how much growth is assumed in the company's business model, of course. Meanwhile, the figures will give food for thought to brands considering launching marketing campaigns within Second Life (that 45 hours a month stat will come in handy for companies trying to sell brands on engagement rather than pure reach, possibly). (via New World Notes)