Second Life is the virtual world that’s getting all the attention these days, especially in the English-speaking world.
Here’s one that’s focused on Dutch and French speakers – Taatu, based in Belgium.
It’s not new, having launched in Belgium and The Netherlands in 2005.
But I’ve noticed a number of recent media articles and blog posts about it including a feature in Le Journal du Net on December 22 that says Taatu is a European alternative to Second Life.
The article (in French) says Taatu launched in France in that week:
… Il est officiellement ouvert en France depuis cette semaine.
As Taatu is squarely targeting the 12-25 age group, I wouldn’t say it’s an alternative to Second Life (you have to be at least 18 to join SL). A European alternative to Teen Second Life, perhaps, aimed at 13 to 17 year olds.
What about Habbo Hotel, another European virtual environment (out of Finland) that’s aimed at kids? That seems a more likely comparison for Taatu. With both of these, the appearance of the environment, the avatar characteristics and other aspects of the look-and-feel are similar, much more so than the far more realistic Second Life environment.
Either way, it’s interesting seeing such virtual, er, real developments. And check out Taatu’s video presentation – very cool with terrific music.
Something else interesting – a promotional campaign to recruit members into Taatu. Other virtual communities have refer-a-friend promotions, but I’ve not seen one like this before.
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Neville Hobson is the author of the popular NevilleHobson.com blog which focuses on business communication and technology.
Neville is currentlly the VP of New Marketing at Crayon. Visit Neville Hobson’s blog: NevilleHobson.com.
