In the last two years, virtual worlds have managed to capture the time and imaginations of a niche group of Internet users. Today, four percent of the entire U.S. broadband population, or approximately 4.6 million users, spend time in online virtual worlds. This report offers a detailed look at the "residents" who currently populate online virtual worlds.  Graphs and prose analysis cover the demographics, psychographics, online activities and consumer behaviors of this innovative area of the Internet.  The next three years will determine if virtual worlds can capture a broader swath of users and yield viable marketing opportunities. In the meantime, innovative marketers and product developers are wise to explore the current possibilities and track how usage and activities shift as the market expands and evolves.

Sections: 

Four Million Virtual Residents
Daily Life, Daily Use
Younger Men
In School or Working Full-Time
Higher Household Incomes
Net-Enthusiasts and Gamers
Avid Online Communicators
Contributors to the Web
Mix of Play, Talk & Tech
A Fun Place to Escape
Other Hobbies and Interests
Techies & Digital Device Lovers
Avid Shoppers

November 2007