Second Life is the popular virtual world with over million residents. It differs from other virtual worlds by having its own economy, currency (Linden dollars), businesses and millionaires!
As per a press release, Anshe Chung has become the first online personality to achieve a net worth exceeding one million US dollars from profits entirely earned inside a virtual world. Anshe Chung is an avatar in the online world Second Life and was originally created by Ailin Graef.
“Anshe/Ailin achieved her fortune by beginning with small scale purchases of virtual real estate which she then subdivided and developed with landscaping and themed architectural builds for rental and resale. Her operations have since grown to include the development and sale of properties for large scale real world corporations, and have led to a real life “spin off” corporation called Anshe Chung Studios, which develops immersive 3D environments for applications ranging from education to business conferencing and product prototyping.”
Second Life Herald says that Anshe accumulated her fortune in 30 months, starting with an initial investment of $9.95 – her Second Life subscription fee. Anshe Chang has been featured on Businessweek and their cover too. Anshe Chung Studios Ltd., a Second Life development company, has become a global leader in virtual real estate trading and development and offers the development of immersive 3D environments for corporate customers.
Check out the economic statistics and Lindex Market data (279L$ = 1US$ now) for Second Life. Real estate development is a big business in Second life, and as its gets more publicity, more Second Life millionaires will come into the limelight.