Philip Rosedale’s Return and Second Life’s Future | A Roundtable Recap

Last Updated on: 1st November 2024, 07:46 pm

So, Philip Rosedale, the founder of Second Life, is back. On October 29th, Linden Lab announced that he’d returned as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and would be overseeing technology and product strategy. The exciting news for me was that a roundtable with him was scheduled, offering us a chance to hear his plans first-hand, ask questions, and get a real sense of what’s next for Second Life’s future. I couldn’t resist, so together with Tsai, Annie and Whotter we headed to the event, eager to hear what he had to say.

First Impressions and a Last-Minute Outfit Change

I got to the sim with about 30 minutes to spare, glanced down, and realized my tits were halfway out. Panic. Suddenly, I was super aware of the lack of “conservative” options in my wardrobe, so I rushed back to X-Sisters to throw something a bit more suitable together. When I returned, Whotter was already running around yelling “fish?” at anyone who would listen, so at least there was a sense of normality in the chaos. And wow, it was packed. Over 220 residents and 65 Lindens crammed into the region. That’s rare. My computer usually laughs at lag, but even I had to hide nametags to keep things smooth.

Philip kicked things off by celebrating Second Life’s growth and talking about its success as a company, saying he sees tons of potential for continued expansion. He briefly touched on his work since leaving and hinted at using AI in Second Life—something he’d also mentioned in an interview that week. And, yes, the idea of AI in Second Life is making waves, and not all positive.

Second Life’s Lifespan and Accessibility for All Users

One of the first big questions was about the hardware requirements for Second Life. Philip noted that typical games have a short lifespan. People play for a few weeks, maybe a few months, and move on. But Second Life is different; it’s not a game, people stay here for years. He pointed out that Linden Lab doesn’t want to lock out users with older machines, referencing the less-than-smooth PBR implementation and apologizing for the chaos it caused. He’s aiming to make sure Second Life stays accessible for everyone without leaving people behind.

When someone asked about future tech updates, including virtual reality, Philip shared that VR is still on their radar, but it’s not a priority right now. They’ve got other goals that take precedence.

AI in Second Life | Potential and Caution

When AI came up, Philip emphasized a cautious approach. They’re experimenting, like with the welcome AI in the info hub, but he’s clear that just because they’re testing, it doesn’t mean they’ll stick with it. Philip stressed that AI should be a tool to bring people together, not a substitute for human connections. An AI that helps you find friends in Second Life would be great. An AI that is your friend instead of helping you make new ones? Not what they want. They want AI to add to the experience, not replace it.

No Kids Allowed and UI Updates

When the conversation shifted to children in Second Life, Philip made it clear they don’t want kids here. They allow users aged 16 to 18, but with strict restrictions, and they believe this is enough to ensure Second Life stays as a place for grown ups. Thank god for that.

The UI and engine also came up. Changing the engine that powers Second Life isn’t an easy fix, he said, but they’re exploring the possibility of creating a new viewer that’s more accessible for those with lower-spec PCs or users who find the UI complicated. A viewer that’s easier for newbies but still powerful enough for long-time residents would be a huge win.

Addiction, Friendships, and the Need for Connection

When addiction in Second Life was brought up, Philip had an interesting take. Games often use addiction loops to keep people playing, but he argued that the “addictive” part of Second Life is the friendships you form. For a lot of us, these connections feel as real and important as any in real life—maybe even more so. His point was that while they need to be cautious about encouraging addiction, they also want to keep providing an outlet for real connections and support to reduce loneliness.

Then came the question, “How can you solve the boob problem?” I was so glad I went and changed my clothing before that one was asked. But, Philip actually took it seriously and didn’t brush it off. He explained that, for one, the issue of avatars teleporting in naked was actually his doing. He admitted that, originally, he’d left it that way because he thought it was funny at the time, but now, he realizes it’s not exactly the best experience, especially for people who want to keep things decent and PG.

Guiding New Users and Growing Second Life’s Economy

He spoke passionately about guiding new users, saying that one-on-one help is important for introducing people to Second Life and helping them grow comfortable in the space. A solid onboarding process not only benefits newbies but also boosts Second Life’s economy by increasing the demand for creator products and services.

When asked if they were updating LSL, Second Life’s scripting language, he said they’re planning to add LUA as an additional option. It’s great news for scripters looking for more flexibility without abandoning LSL altogether.

Cryptocurrency came up, too. When asked why Second Life doesn’t support crypto payments, he explained that there are legal and regulatory challenges, but they’re looking into it. He sees potential in adding crypto support, but it’s not simple. Personally, I’m not a crypto person, but I see how it could bring more financial freedom for creators, and as a business owner, I’d welcome the option.

Raising Concurrency and Reaching New Users

Philip acknowledged that user metrics are down, but they have plans to turn that around with targeted marketing efforts. He said that advertising on platforms like YouTube is ineffective because the algorithms don’t favour Second Life, and 95% of people targeted aren’t interested in virtual worlds.

He talked about how Second Life’s unique experience is like entering a dark bar where everyone talks without body language and can feel awkward for newcomers. They want to find a way to make non-verbal communication feel more natural to open doors for a broader audience. They’re even open to community ideas, so he encouraged us to reach out if we have thoughts on marketing. I’m already writing an email, because marketing Second Life is something I love, and I have a million ideas.

The Future of Mainland, Community, and Mobile App

Philip mentioned his love for the Mainland, a place where Second Life users come together, building and creating as a community. There’s a magic here that no other platform has managed to capture, he said. But he admitted region crossing is a nightmare they’re working on fixing—something every vehicle owner knows all too well.

He’s also excited about his new in-world group, “Friends of Philip,” as a way to engage directly with the community.

Then there’s the mobile app. While he believes most people will always prefer the desktop viewer, he wants the mobile app to at least have basic functionality. A fully functional mobile app would open Second Life to a whole new demographic, which could be huge. The beta should be available to non-premium users within the next month.

Serving Second Life’s Unique Community and Expanding Inclusion

Philip spoke about Second Life’s diverse user base, highlighting how so many residents come here because real life has limited options. Elderly, autistic, or disabled users who feel isolated or side-lined in real life find purpose and community here. He wants Linden Lab to understand and better serve these users, saying Second Life isn’t for everyone but can mean everything to those who need it. He’s right. There’s something uniquely special about this place and anyone can see that.

He addressed governance, saying that banning and content moderation are complex but important for keeping Second Life safe. He also talked about the dream of a “wayback machine” for Second Life, preserving iconic builds for historical value. It’s not financially feasible now, but he’d love to see something happen.

Reputation, Twitch, and Changing the Perception of Second Life

Someone asked about Second Life’s ban on Twitch, which is due to the platform’s sensitivity around adult content. Philip wants to get Second Life unbanned, working to create a separation between adult and general-rated content to make streaming more accessible.

The final question was about cleaning up Second Life’s reputation. While he didn’t elaborate much, he noted that changing the name or rebranding isn’t the answer. Second Life’s magic lies in its community, not a name. His focus is on making clear communication, evolving the tech, and keeping Second Life accessible for all users.

Second Life’s Future: Outlasting Critics and Looking Ahead

Philip wrapped up by saying that Second Life has outlasted its critics. After 20 years, it’s still here and still thriving. While user numbers have dropped, he’s optimistic about bringing in new people to keep it alive for the next 20 years. He even spoke on whether the internet might’ve broken society, but he believes that Second Life is proof that we can build positive connections online. It’s a place where friendships can form across barriers, with people you might never meet or like in the “real” world.

This reminds me of other founders who returned to lead their creations to new heights. Steve Jobs came back to Apple in 1997 and launched the iPhone, iPad, and iPod which completely transformed the company. Howard Schultz returned to Starbucks in 2008 and brought it back to its roots and doubled its revenue. Rosedale’s return feels similar—a return to roots with a vision for new growth. It’s sort of exciting.

After this roundtable, I feel more confident in Second Life’s future. Philip obviously has a clear sense of what needs fixing, how to support current users, and a strong plan for bringing in fresh faces. This place is home for so many of us and it really is a community like no other, so I’m excited to see how it grows.