"With the coronavirus running rampant in the real world, we're all going to spend more time socializing and working in virtual worlds like Second Life"... is a sentiment I'm starting to see more often, from industry analysts and fans (variation from Robert Scoble here). But while it's still far from certain that that's happening, we're definitely seeing people in virtual worlds like Second Life socializing around the coronavirus.
Right now, the official SL Marketplace carries dozens of coronavirus-themed items for sale, everything from fashion and accessories to full-fledged games. Call it some much-needed black humor to relieve the tension or a sick joke at the expense of thousands who've since died from the virus, but you can buy a Covid-19 beverage tray from DeathGrip CreaTions (above) for the low low price of L$180 (under $1).
Here's another, echoing the infamous World of Warcraft-based "corrupted blood" incident which went on to become a case study for real world epidemic research: pick up a copy of the CORONA VIRUS particle bumper for L$99, and spread virtual disease at your next virtual party in Second Life:
Wear or add the Corona Virus Bumper. As soon you collide with another avatar, you will sneeze (sound) and spray the Corona Virus particles everywhere
A bit too dark, even for Second Life? TessYr Vaak has you hooked up with an anti-coronavirus spray featuring Bento-based skeleton animations, so you can fight the virus with the latest avatar technology:
Speaking of Bento, Second Life is all about virtual fashion, and no stylish avatar should leave the house without this Bento-based Coronavirus Survival Bag:
All for the incredibly affordable price of L$50, from the appropriately-named brand Magical Nightmare.
And finally, from FS DESIGN, comes the perfect backdrop box for your next avatar fashion shoot:
Positive or negative, this will age like fine milk.
Posted by: Anonymous | Tuesday, March 10, 2020 at 06:02 PM
That's just sick. I would never but from a Creator who thought to make fun of such a dire situation. This thing is worsening by the day, not getting better. We need to be taking this very seriously because we all know love ones who are at risk.
But ya know, it'll all on deaf ears with these idiots. Natural selection will deal with them when the virus sneaks into their lives. :P
Posted by: Angelina Sinclair | Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 06:26 AM
This type of “topical” dark humor has been common in Second Life for two decades. It’s sort of a self-parody on commercialism as well as a genuine attempt and making a few quick bucks on a fad.
If you don’t appreciate the dark humor that’s fine, it’s sort of made to evoke reactions in the first place. But calling it sick is pretty sensationalist. Inspect it a little closer.
Posted by: Anonymous | Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 08:01 AM
One of my friends came up with a music parody several weeks ago, when it didn't seem so bad - https://www.furaffinity.net/view/34855586/
Posted by: Bixyl Shuftan | Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 10:07 AM
I think some need to take a Covid 19 branded chill pill.
Posted by: Yoof | Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 11:18 AM
It’s sad to think there’s actually people out there willing to try to make a buck on something as contagious as this is an as deadly as this can be. Don’t waste your money otherwise he will feel like he was the smart one.
Posted by: Candy68 Resident | Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 12:53 PM
Its not even that bad. bout time someone made light of it. people worry and stress so much it happens every year and the government makes money off of the vulnerable buying all the supplies so props for making money off it as well
Posted by: notasconcernedcitizenasyou | Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 03:52 PM
my Sharona could use a little my Corona Redo =)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aY8-N8-pn1I
Posted by: Foot Held | Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at 04:43 PM