Virtual Worlds Conference Date Set

Virtual Worlds Management has set the date and agenda for the second annual Virtual Worlds Conference. The gathering includes representatives from Mattel, Disney, Gaia and many other companies in the social networking business. Business, operations and legal issues will be discussed at the conference which is scheduled for April 3 – 4 in New York City.

“What began as technologies embraced by Internet sophisticates is now at the heart of revolution that is reshaping the media industry, toy industry, the entertainment business and technology companies,” said Christopher Sherman, Virtual Worlds Conference executive director.

“Virtual worlds are changing how our children are entertained, how teenagers communicate and how media and advertisers engage millions of consumers everyday.”

For further details check out GamesIndustry.biz.

It’s almost scary how big virtual worlds are becoming. Businesses invested USD 425 million dollars in virtual worlds companies during the fourth quarter of 2007 alone. My kids and all their friends use Gaia, Webkins and Club Penguin. There’s no regulation of security measures to protect minors on these sites, although each site monitors itself to an extent. Nothing replaces parental monitoring. Yes my kids find me a colossal pain in the butt, however at least I know they’re safe.