Back in June 2006 The Infocomm Development Authority (IDA) launched Singapore’s 10 year master plan called Intelligent Nation 2015 (iN2015). One of its visions is to establish Singapore as a Digital Media and Entertainment (DME) global center of excellence.
Virtual Worlds were highlighted as a core driver of DME within iN2015. Concept proposals are invited from prospective Virtual World technology providers, developers and user groups under a Request For Information (RFI) – Virtual Worlds for Singapore. Closure date for RFI submissions is January 15th 2008.
Both the public launch of China’s Recreation District (CRD) in Beijing last week and Singapore’s iN2015 reinforce the strategic imperative of Virtual Worlds within DME over the coming decade. International initiatives such as these bode well for the future of the emergent Virtual Worlds sector as it evolves. Interesting times indeed.
Just as CNN asks its real-life audience to submit iReports – user-generated content submitted from cell phones, computers, cameras and other equipment for broadcast and online reports – the network invites the residents of Second Life to share their own “SL iReports” about events occurring within the virtual world.
“The thing we most hope to gain by having a CNN presence in Second Life is to learn about virtual worlds and understand what news is most interesting and valuable to their residents,” said Susan Grant, executive vice president of CNN News Services.
CNN are the latest media outlet to take up residence in Second Life. Having worked with Millions Of Us on their entry strategy over the last couple of months their iReport hub progress will be followed with interest. CNN joins Reuters who took up residence with the assistance of Electric Sheep Company in October 2006 and Sky News who were advised by Rivers Run Red and took up residence in May 2007.
