Creators at the Core: How Second Life and Roblox Empowered Creators in the Post-COVID Era
Journal
IEEE Engineering Management Review
Publisher
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Date Issued
2026-06
Author(s)
Nunez, Javier Gonzalez
Type
Article
Abstract
This research adopts a comparative case study methodology to examine the transformative capacity of virtual communities, focusing on Second Life as a foundational example of immersive virtual worlds and drawing comparisons with the rapidly growing ecosystem of Roblox. By highlighting Second Life's economic milestones, $1.1 billion paid to creators and $1.3 billion invested in its development, this study underscores its enduring impact on virtual economies. The analysis explores how these platforms have evolved in their approaches to digital interaction, user-generated content, and financial models, particularly in the post-COVID-19 era. By delving into Enrapture's journey as a tech company originating in Second Life, the study emphasizes the role of virtual-world-native teams in driving innovation and creating meaningful connections. Lessons from Second Life and Roblox provide insights into the future of the metaverse, its economic implications, and the challenges of safety, trust, and the psychological impact of digital dualities. © 1973-2011 IEEE.