Living a Second Life Online
Each resident begins Second Life by designing their avatar, or character, starting with a fully textured high-resolution figure, and creating a unique representation of themselves. Users customize their hair, face and body shape, and clothing, using morphing tools that allow for an infinite variety of identities. Users can then collaborate with each other to shape the world around them.

"Using new technology to enable a dramatic leap forward in the self-expression possible in a 3D online world, we have created a new experience that is, in nearly every sense of the words, a Second Life," said Philip Rosedale, CEO and founder of Linden Lab. "Our residents create a new identity in a world that they shape - whether vixen or villain, architect or explorer. With early creators spending as much as 60 hours a week in-world, we believe Second Life is poised to revolutionize the online experience."

A social structure that mirrors the complexity of life, a fully-functioning economy, and the ability to express creativity through simple but sophisticated 3D tools enable a realistic and exciting environment where users' experiences are limited only by their imaginations.

Pioneering Technologies
Linden Lab has pioneered a series of technological breakthroughs that allow Second Life residents to collaborate in real time and to create in ways not possible before - even though they may be sitting at computers thousands of miles apart. Second Life is a persistent simulation of an expansive and ever-changing growing world, complete with weather and objects that obey the laws of physics. Residing on a distributed network and using a new generation of streaming compression, Second Life residents experience interactions with the world as realistic as conversing on park benches around a crackling fire pit, watching as the sun sets on the horizon over the ocean, going to a costume party or deejaying favorite tunes at a disco.

Beta Participation
To embark on their new life, residents, upon registration in the beta version, will receive a bank account, an avatar to customize, and an inventory filled with sounds, textures and the objects they need to get started. They then have the opportunity to build a house or begin with a pre-made starter home, explore the world, make new friends, begin to amass their fortune, or just watch the world turn, cycling through day and night, as the social brew and shape of this new world evolves. Beta applicants are encouraged to apply online at the company website, www.lindenlab.com. A consumer version will be available in Summer 2003. The pricing structure is yet to be announced.

About Linden Lab
Linden Lab was founded in 1999 by Philip Rosedale to create a revolutionary new form of shared 3D entertainment. The former CTO of RealNetworks, Rosedale pioneered the development of many of today's streaming media technologies, including RealVideo.

Based in San Francisco, Linden Lab employs a senior development team bringing together deep expertise in physics, 3D graphics and networking. Team members have previously worked for market leading companies such as Electronic Arts, Maxis, Disney, THQ, Acclaim, Hasbro, Mattel and RealNetworks.