World of Warcraft

Multiplayer online role playing game created by Blizzard Entertainment in 2001. One of the most popular online games and the highest paid subscriber base of over 11.5 million with the latest installment Wrath of the Lich King. Leveling up is the ultimate goal. There has been a crackdown on trying to make money with this game by selling gold, characters, items, etc.

Sony Playstation Home

This MMORPG exclusively for Playstation 3 console owners boasts over 12 Million accounts.  In the virtual world multiple gamezones offer activities, streaming video, and live events.  Read 10 Reasons why Second Life is better than PlayStation Home.  It is free to play and Microtransactions for virtual clothes, furniture, and gear earned Sony over $1 million dollars in Playstation Home in a very short period of time.

Second Life

Internet virtual world started in 1999 and run by Linden Labs. There is no better place to create, buy, and sell products. The recent introduction of voice chat has helped stave off complaints on performance issues. With the release of Viewer 2 Second Life is more flexible and accesible than ever.

Why is Second Life number one over World of Warcraft? Here are ten reasons. #2 continued below:

The Sims 3

from Electronic Arts has a historic following.  Relatively new to the game, The Sims 3 is also available for the iPhone and saw heavy demand for the Sims 3 download torrent.  Combined with heavy advertising and the ability to know interact and move around online like a more traditional MMORPG should spell success.  Over 3.7 million copies of Sims 3 have been sold. Read the Top 10 Reasons to Play the Sims 3.

IMVU

Chat with new and old friends in a customizable 3d chat room, create your own customized avatar and chat with friends while creating custom rooms and objects and even earning money. You even get one thousand free credits when you sign up. IMVU Inc. was created in 2004 and has 20 million registered users and $1 million in revenue each month. IMVU concurrent users have passed 105,000 players.

Blue Mars

This virtual world from Avatar Realty has a fresh look and uses the CryEngine 2. Avatar Reality recently raised an additional $4.2 million dollars in additional capital and continues development.

Wewaii

Your Beach. Your Hotel. Your Game.

Build your dream hotel and observe the throng of tourists.
You decide if it will be exciting or relaxing.

Kaneva

2D and 3D social networking and virtual world created by Kaneva, Inc 2004. Quickly gaining popularity for game developers. Easily combine video, social networks, and 2D.