Yes, Second Life is still alive. It thrives peacefully and enjoys a loyal player base that has made itself comfortable in this virtual reality. People play, love, laugh – and somewhat playfully rake in money. So much so that some players can support their real-life living from it. We show you how to earn money with Second Life in 2018!
Second Life launched in 2003 and created a world where players could start a second life. Anything goes that pleases. The world is shaped and formed by the players. Soon, businesses sprouted from the virtual ground, and communities formed. People created game content, events, and more. And they got rich from it.
Linden Dollars are the currency of choice
In Second Life, you can go to work – and earn money. The in-game currency is called Linden Dollar (L$). It can be exchanged for real money. Through these exchanges – the swapping of virtual currency for real currency – Second Life is integrated into the real economic cycle. In 2017 alone, over 60 million US dollars were reportedly earned via Second Life.
Jobs can either be found or created. Whether you work as a DJ, design clothing, or rent out land. But not everyone succeeds in “getting rich.” You need to have luck, be at the right place at the right time, and also bring the necessary know-how. But maybe all of that applies to you.
We show you five ways to make money with Second Life.
Create Content
In essence, everything you see in Second Life is designed by users. Clothing, houses, make-up, furniture – the imagination knows no bounds. There’s no reliance on a single program; you can use your favorites like Photoshop or 3D Studio Max. The products can then be sold in your own shop or on the official marketplace.
Be a fashion designer, an architect, or a texture artist. What sounds like cheap advertising for the game is actually achievable if you invest enough time and effort into learning the necessary skills. No one becomes a master artist overnight. But you can try. Potential buyers are certainly available.
However, not everything is rosy in creator land at the moment. PC Gamer spoke with entrepreneur Oobleck Allagash, who officially and quite successfully (his company PocketGacha made several million in revenue alone since August) sells designer products from players. Through his backend system, what was already feared has now become visible: The problem of illegally copying and selling items in Second Life is not only still practiced but has also increased.
These “bad guys,” as Allagash nicely calls them, have found a way to replicate even unique items and sell them for profit. This diminishes the actual value of the product and causes significant financial damage to the creators. Although Linden Lab announced in an update that they want to address this issue, the problem has not been resolved to this day.
But despite these problems, creating content is still a way to earn real money in Second Life.
Specific information on creating and selling products can be found on the official website.
Become a model or dancer
Just like in real life, appearance matters here – but here it refers to the avatar’s appearance. Both being a model and dancing in Second Life requires a certain upfront investment. Particularly beautiful skins, make-up, and poses or corresponding animations can be expensive.
However, you don’t need any special talent, as the avatar does most of the work almost by itself as long as the player guides it. Even though resourceful entrepreneurs already run model schools, they only teach the basics, such as how to create a model portfolio. The virtual models often need one too.
Then it’s vital to make an impression on fashion show organizers or club owners, build contacts, and take initial steps. It’s not enough to just stand on the street and look good – I will come back to this later. But once you have landed good gigs, your virtual modeling career can begin!
The oldest profession in the world
Strangely enough, this profession is not officially listed on the website. Yet they exist: escort ladies, porn actors, and erotic models. Cyber sex is nothing new and is commonly found in virtual worlds and chat rooms. And this is despite the fact that you must buy the genitalia for your avatar in Second Life. It’s not easy.
However, the nightlife in Second Life is less intrusive than what is said about the “Rape Tavern” in World of Warcraft. The reason is not only the apparently respectful player base, but also the strict rules that apply there. As an escort lady reported to Vice, each professional must possess an “escort card” that includes details like prices, permitted actions of clients, and safe words.
The price varies depending on the service. Despite the dirty business, the nightclubs seem to be well organized. Of course, I do not recommend this occupation, but for completeness’ sake, I must mention how some make money in Second Life.
Marketing real products
Even if you have already built a small business in real life or work as a creative freelancer, you can use Second Life. Whether you use your voice to host a gig in Second Life or hold virtual readings – everything is allowed.
The community within the game may tip you, but the more important aspect is the contact with them. Through these and similar actions, you can increase your own visibility and create a stronger bond with the participants. Particularly, readings are frequently performed on virtual ground.
Land Baron
Fun fact: A land baron was the first to become a real-life millionaire through Second Life. Ailin Gräf, known in the game as Anshe Chung, skillfully bought and sold land, refurbished it, and showed a good sense of the market.
To succeed, you must know how the current market works and what is in demand. Then you can buy land with or without a house built on it and sell it for profit. The same applies to real estate. Whether you sell or rent them is up to you.
Here too, you can get creative and build houses, design gardens, and create places where people want to linger.
Success and money are not handed to you in Second Life
You wouldn’t believe what you can earn money with in Second Life! But it requires a long thread of patience, brainpower, and commitment. Just like in real life, where not everything works immediately.
It’s exciting that you can also make real money with video games. Playfully achieving success – when you hit the right nerve at the right time.
You can also earn (virtual) money in GTA 5 Online! And we show you how.
