What's more, social communities - like Second Life - have also proven to be popular choices to spend time in, encouraging individuals to meet and interact in virtual worlds.
So it's not all that surprising that a recent announcement from US firm ArenaWorks Entertainment details how the company is launching "ArenaFest" in summer 2009 - its very own virtual world bringing live events online, much to the benefit of social networking users.
ArenaFest provides the opportunity for visitors to interact in a giant virtual arena. Users will be able to check out live concerts, live sports and even modelling contests. In addition, friends will be able to compete against each other through various contest stations in challenges that include the popular computer game Guitar Hero, the Next Top Model series and also participation in dating games.
The live events that are due to take place will occur across 10 arenas in the US but it is expected that the events will eventually take place across at least 50 major sports arenas. The cost of a ticket will be $27.50, with expectations that high school and college audiences will continue to return to watch further events.
Furthermore, ArenaFest has teamed up with SellaBand - a website allowing music fans to fund unsigned bands - for the live music events. Adequately-funded bands from the SellaBand network will be able to enter a battle of the bands style competition in order to win the chance to perform live at an ArenaFest venue.
What with Google recently announcing the closure of its virtual world, Google Lively, ArenaFest may prove to be an innovative social community website. With such a diverse range of events on offer, there should be something for everyone to enjoy online in summer 2009.
