33 Million Users For 3D Worlds By 2013

A new report has detailed that up to 33 million registered users will be on board the 3D virtual world train by 2013.

Parks Associates’  report, Virtual Worlds: the Internet of Avatars, details the evolution of the virtual world value chain, which has added a variety of different companies and providers in its relatively short period of existence.

“3D virtual world platform companies, world operators, and full-service agencies form the core of the virtual world ecosystem, providing services to consumers, media companies, advertisers, and enterprises,” said  Michael Cai, Director, Digital Media and Gaming, Parks Associates. “But content and application developers and service providers are becoming increasingly important.”

These entities provide content, activities, and applications that enhance the usability and user experience of virtual worlds. In addition, several new solution providers have emerged to provide enterprise-class virtual world services.

“Without appealing content and applications, virtual worlds are nothing but empty shopping malls,” Cai said. “The industry needs to move beyond its obsession with user-generated content and make 3D virtual worlds more interesting to average consumers.”

Virtual Worlds: the Internet of Avatars defines the 3D virtual world value chain, profiles leading companies, examines industry and consumer trends and dynamics, forecasts market growth, and offers recommendations to large media companies, technology companies, consumer brands, marketers, and Internet companies.