The
Association of Virtual Worlds (AVW), a worldwide professional association
for the fast expanding virtual worlds industry, has announced the opening on an
invitation-only basis of its company headquarters. In keeping with the object
of the organisation, these consist of a 3D subsisting online environment.
In
their current closed beta guise, AVW?s virtual headquarters present an
intuitive visual domain where association members will be able congregate,
socialise and conduct business regardless of their respective physical
locations. Upon completion, it is
destined to feature a variety of virtual buildings dedicated to specific
functions, including conference,
seminar, and meeting rooms, a research and resource centre, a career centre,
virtual worlds pavilion, cafés, virtual bars and networking facilities. It will
be accessible around the clock from any internet connection.
Founder Editha Kaye sees
the new offering not only as a venue for association members, but also as a
means of increasing public awareness of the social and commercial potential of
virtual worlds, commenting that "The Association is a vibrant and growing
group. Now the headquarters is here, and will serve not only its membership,
but also showcase this emerging industry to an increasingly interested
public."
The AVW?s stated mission is
to educate, network, recruit, and generally serve the needs of people whose
professional needs or entertainment tastes lead them to take a sustained
interest in virtual worlds.