08 June 2015

Adieux, Venexia and Goatswood

The sands of time (and, apparently, the cost of the sims) have caught up with two of Second Life's most photogenic and well-known sites: Venexia (top and bottom images, closing on June 13) and Goatswood (middle image, closing on June 19). Dating from 2011 and 2012, respectively (and originally written about here and here), both are spectacular and monumental, especially the former, with its breathtaking architecture and attention to detail. "We would like to say a huge thank you to all those who have over the years contributed so much time and creativity towards the great success of these projects," said designers/owners Baal Zobel and Kora Zenovka in an announcement. "They have provided us with many lasting memories, and we have derived immense enjoyment from seeing them brought to life by those who have spent time playing there. We hope that you have enjoyed using as much as we have enjoyed creating them."

As much as both builds are strikingly beautiful, the sims were designed not primarily as visual destinations but rather as centers for roleplay, with clearly defined character roles, extensive scripting, and even their own currency (more here). But, over time, the sims have become more and more quiet, to the point where visitors might now find themselves wandering solo. Guests have always been welcomed and provided with a free three-day pass, but perhaps for the casual explorer that very aspect diminished the sims' desirability as places to simply visit. In any case, if you haven't ventured to Venexia or Goatswood recently — or never at all — this is last call, and you won't want to to have missed the opportunity.

4 comments:

  1. Beautiful environments. I personally stopped visiting them both because of the RP requirements. Having to use their special currency, etc. Just pulled the fun out of it ultimately.

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  2. I'm sad that these sims are closing. I rented for a few months at Venexia which was really lovely. You don't have to be an RP player to rent, you just have to be careful not to bother people who are playing.

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  3. And this is one more - or actually two more reasons for Linden Labs to rethink the cost of land in Second Life. While in some parts of the world that rent isn't maybe that high, in most of the world 200 - 300$ a month is a monthly wage. Real one. And it's really what is blocking the development of the virtual world of Second Life. Lower the tier cost... and we will have much more varied places to live our virtual lives in.

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