{"id":11111,"date":"2011-10-11T10:44:24","date_gmt":"2011-10-11T10:44:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/virtual-world\/"},"modified":"2024-09-25T10:57:57","modified_gmt":"2024-09-25T10:57:57","slug":"virtual-world","status":"publish","type":"definition","link":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/definition\/25604\/virtual-world","title":{"rendered":"Virtual World"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is a Virtual World?<\/span><\/h2>\n

A virtual world is a computer<\/a>-based online community environment that is designed and shared by individuals so that they can interact in a custom-built, simulated world. It is often compared to virtual reality<\/a> (VR), but virtual worlds focus more on shared persistent spaces. This virtual world definition highlights the core elements of interaction and simulation.<\/p>\n

Users interact with each other in this simulated world using text-based, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional graphical models called avatars<\/a>. Avatars are graphically rendered using computer graphics imaging<\/a> (CGI) or any other rendering<\/a> technology. Individuals control their avatars using input devices<\/a> like the keyboard<\/a>, mouse, and other specially designed command and simulation gadgets.<\/p>\n

Today’s virtual worlds are purpose-built for entertainment, social, educational, training, and various other purposes. All virtual worlds possess the qualities of persistence and interactivity, enabling the users to explore the inherent benefits of socialization and allowing them to study human nature and users’ abilities.<\/p>\n

A virtual world may also be called a digital world<\/i>.<\/p>\n

\"What<\/p>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/span><\/h2>\n