New Association of Virtual Worlds Launches into the Metaverse

There are more than 100 on-line virtual worlds in what's known as the "metaverse" -- with tens of millions of residents from pre-schoolers to adults. Add the Fortune 500 companies positioning virtual brands, exploring new ways of working and doing business, and the millions more involved in research, development, and marketing of these worlds and you truly have "the next big thing". That's where the new Association of Virtual Worlds comes in--a single unifying forum for virtual worlds and those involved in this multi-billion-dollar global industry under a single umbrella.

Jacksonville, FL (PRWEB) February 8, 2008 -- There are more than 100 on-line virtual worlds in what's known as the "metaverse"-- with tens of millions of residents from pre-schoolers to adults. Add the Fortune 500 companies positioning virtual brands, exploring new ways of working and doing business, and the millions more involved in research, development, and marketing of these worlds and you truly have "the next big thing".

That's where the new Association of Virtual Worlds comes in -- a single unifying forum for virtual worlds and those involved in this multi-billion-dollar global industry under a single umbrella.

"Now is the time for all of us in involved in virtual worlds to join together to address issues that affect this next evolution of the Internet," says Edita Kaye, founder of the Association of Virtual Worlds and editor in chief of iVinnie.com the number one virtual worlds news network. "With millions of residents, major corporations pouring billions of dollars into virtual worlds, and the growing use of virtual worlds' technology as an enterprise tool, there needs to be a group dedicated to the advancement of the industry, a place for discussion and leadership. It is my hope that the Association will lead the virtual worlds conversation."

The Association of Virtual Words will act as a global trade association for this rapidly growing industry and a resource for those wishing to experiment and explore virtual worlds for work or play. The Association's agenda includes: virtual worlds for real work, online games, virtual worlds as social networks, connecting clients and users, intellectual property and other legal issues, financial systems, taxation, regulation, safety, marketing and branding, new technologies and interoperability.

According to Kaye, the Association's mission is to educate, network, recruit, and further the membership's collective goals. Members will include visionaries representing all aspects of virtual worlds -- creators, producers, corporations, entrepreneurs, businesses, developers, educators, futurists, residents, researchers, and governmental representatives.

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