Shoppers! Look what’s come to Bellisseria!
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/shoppers-look-whats-come-to-bellisseria-r11256/

The Ridgewood Enclave Commercial Districts are places to shop for clothing, home furnishings, plants, decor items for your patio and yard … you name it. Are you a merchant? Any Premium Plus member can claim a 1024 sq m parcel and use its permanent building for a shop. Use simple controls to choose a style and color scheme, then add your own lighting, displays, and signage. There’s no purchase price and no monthly fee. Looking to browse or just spend some time shopping? The Ridgewood Enclave Commercial Districts are woven into the Ridgewood Enclave regions. Start at Greenbush Hill and have fun finding the store of your dreams! Current Commercial District regions: Scherzo Highlight Yellow Brick Brubeck Big Toque Greenbush Hill Broadstreet West Martinet Fortune Hills Sidewall Downbeat There are seven exterior motifs, each available on either a 32 x 32 or a 16 x 64 parcel. Interiors offer eight styles and nine color options for walls and ceiling panels. Want more information? Look for a bus stop sign on any street.

WebRTC Voice in Second Life — Limited Release Begins March 18, 2026
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/webrtc-voice-in-second-life-limited-release-begins-march-18-2026-r11257/

We’re excited to share the next step in modernizing voice communication in Second Life. Starting Wednesday, March 18, 2026, we are rolling out WebRTC-based Voice to limited release candidate channels, covering approximately 3.4% of the grid. This early release allows us to verify performance, stability, and compatibility in real-world conditions before expanding further. What’s NewModern Voice Infrastructure Transitioning to WebRTC brings improved reliability, lower latency, and a foundation for future voice features. Improved Connection Handling Faster connection times and more resilient session recovery in unstable network conditions. Platform Flexibility This upgrade lays the groundwork for better cross-platform support and future integrations. Quality: It just sounds better! What to ExpectThis is an initial rollout, and residents in the release candidate channel may experience: Peer to Peer (P2P) voice calls between regions on WebRTC and the rest of the grid may not work until the entire grid is on WebRTC Differences in audio quality depending on being in or out of the release candidate channel Ongoing tuning and iteration as we gather feedback Please use the latest version of the Second Life Viewer, or the Firestorm Beta to ensure the best possible Voice experience. https://secondlife.com/downloads How to TellIf you’re not sure which voice service is being used in your region, open Help > About Second Life, then scroll to the bottom of the information and look for Voice Server Version: WebRTC Gateway Voice will continue to function as expected outside of the small release candidate channel. Try it NowWant to try it out in a region that's enrolled already? You can experience WebRTC Voice right now by visiting our test regions: WebRTC Voice 1 WebRTC Voice 2 WebRTC Voice 3 WebRTC Voice 4 What’s NextWe’ll be closely monitoring performance and feedback before expanding WebRTC Voice to a larger portion of the grid. Your experience during this phase directly shapes what comes next. Thank YouA big thank you to our internal teams, early adopters, and contributors who helped bring this milestone to life. We couldn’t have done it without you. If your region uses WebRTC and you have any issues, please give us your feedback here: https://feedback.secondlife.com

Second Life Spotlight - AleyKat
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/second-life-spotlight-aleykat-r11258/

Today, we’re shining a spotlight on AleyKat, a live singer celebrating ten years of performing in Second Life with high-energy shows and immersive musical productions. AleyKat in 2021 (Photo credit: Rowan Elise) How long have you been performing live in Second Life, and what inspired you to start singing here? I spent three years on and off in SL before finding out the live music scene even existed, and once I went to my first show, I was completely hooked. Experiencing music live from musicians all around the world at all hours of the day is such a gift. A friend found out music is a massive part of my RL and encouraged me to do it in SL, so I bought all the equipment and found myself a manager (shoutout to BadOne Resident!). Lots of venues were willing to take a chance on a new singer, and so I went for it- doing my first show with just 40 songs on my song list. I now have over 600 on there! AleyKat performing her first show, 2016 (Photo credit: Damien Arcture) What has that journey been like for you, and what are some of your favorite memories from the past decade? It’s been a wild ride! I never imagined when I started singing in 2016 that I’d still be doing it ten years later to such huge audiences and having had the incredible experiences Second Life has provided. There are so many memorable moments. I’ve absolutely loved working alongside some of the most amazing musicians and wonderful venue owners throughout the years. I’ve had the honour of performing at the Second Life Birthday Celebrations a number of times, which is always really fun. I built my own stage for SL22B, and it was a great party! AleyKat performing at SL22B, 2025 (Photo credit: sunsetdream.dreamscape) I collaborated with the best dance troupe in SL, The Monarchs, back in 2018 a few times and we have joined forces again this month to celebrate my ten year anniversary. I also performed with them at the ‘last’ Avi Choice Awards 8 years ago, and I’m so honoured to announce another partnership with them at the newly reinstated Avi Choice Awards in April (voting is open now!). I cannot wait to perform there again! AleyKat in the first collaboration with the Monarchs (Photo credit: Diiar) To celebrate your ten year milestone, you’re putting on a special production. What can audiences expect from the show, and when is it? In collaboration with The Monarchs, we have created a once in a SLifetime experience- a sim wide, live singing, choreographed, musical spectacular! We take you on a musical journey around the sim, built by the incredible Royal Shippe (head of the Monarchs company), where you will be part of an immersive show blending dazzling effects, live music and high energy dancing! AleyKat performing in the 10 year anniversary show (Photo credit: Grant Wade- gmi7 resident) All residents are welcome to come, but the sim is often full at least 30 minutes before the show is due to start, so if you’d like to catch one of the remaining shows, make sure you come extra early! There are 4 performances left: Saturday 21st March at 11am and 6pm SLT. Sunday 22nd March at 12pm SLT. Saturday 28th March at 12pm SLT. https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Monarchs/28/144/20 How would you describe your music style, and what kinds of songs do you enjoy performing the most? I honestly love performing so many different styles of music. My group has coined the phrase: ‘genre-whiplash’ as you never know what’s going to come next in my shows. My song list has become so eclectic over the decade due to my expanding musical tastes and the different songs people have requested I learn- there’s 1940’s Andrews sisters, Dua Lipa pop, Halestorm rock, Aretha Franklin soul and even some songs in French and Italian. The one thing I always aim to do, though, is uplift people who come to my shows, so I mostly sing super upbeat, happy music. If you come to my

show, I can guarantee you will leave feeling better than when you arrived! AleyKat 2026 (Photo credit: Mrs Sassypants) Your performances often include distinctive styling and visuals. How do fashion and presentation play a role in your shows? From very early on in my SL career, I felt like it was really important to make my costumes a part of every performance. I want people to enjoy finding out what style of outfit I’m in for each show and keep them on their toes, guessing what theme I’ll go with. Pushing the boundaries of fashion is really fun when there are so many incredibly talented designers in SL that make it a real joy to dress up your avi! AleyKat 2019 (Photo credit: Rowan Elise) Looking back on the past decade, what is something you are especially proud of? One of the best things I ever did was organise and run a huge fundraiser, with my best friend Damien, for another singer and close friend of ours. She needed urgent medical treatment but didn’t have the funds for it. An incredible amount of singers, designers and creators came together over one weekend with nonstop music and raffles, and in the end, we raised nearly 10,000 USD for her. The generosity and kindness of everyone involved absolutely blew us away. SL can truly be such a magical place. AleyKat 2023 What has been one of the most favorite experiences you’ve had from performing in Second Life? Without a doubt, my group. They are the absolute best group of people you’ll ever come across. They are kind, funny, supportive, diverse, interesting, loyal, welcoming and just completely awesome. One of my favourite things over the last ten years has been the group ‘vakays’ that we did (shoutout to Queen Lileigh!). Over the years, a few members of the group organised ‘Sweet but Psycho’ (our group theme song) vacations where they rented a sim and built a different style holiday each time, open to anyone in the group. Everyone always had their own accommodation, and there were games, balls, shows, activities- they were the best of times! I even ran a vakay myself at Halloween for everyone one year. Thank you again to all the organisers of the holidays we had in the group over the years! Some members of AleyKat’s group at Kamp Krystal Lake Vacation 2023 (Photo credit: Mrs Sassypants) Is there anything else you’d like to share as you celebrate this ten year milestone? I want to say thank you to all the managers and hosts I’ve worked with over the years- I couldn’t do this without them and their professionalism and hard work. I wouldn’t want to do it either without my wonderful Mia (my ‘non’ manager!)- she is an absolute treasure! A huge thank you to all the amazing venue owners- some of whom have hired me for nearly the entire ten years I’ve been singing! Without them, live music just wouldn’t exist as it does in SL, and I am so, so, grateful to them. Thank you so much to everyone who comes to my shows- whether it’s once a month, every week or every show! You make my life so much better, and I can’t describe how much I value you all. Lastly, my biggest thanks go out to my best friend Damien. His incredible guidance, expertise and humour are the only reason I was able to do what I’ve done for the past decade. He hates the spotlight, but he deserves it- here’s to you D, from your biggest fan, thank you for everything! Where can people connect with you and learn more about your upcoming shows? Please share links to your sites and social media accounts. Calendar- https://tinyurl.com/yx8sx9cs Discord- https://discord.gg/UDa8XSR4 Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011044603479 Group- secondlife:///app/group/7b7e3a89-2c94-5c9b-8322-e53249fb6c0b/about AleyKat 10 year anniversary show (Photo credit: Mia- musicgirlwtf resident) Thank you, AleyKat, for sharing your voice and creativity with the live music community in Second Life! Each of our Spotlight interviews offers a unique glimpse into the diverse experiences and vibrant personalities that

shape our virtual world. Explore more stories and get inspired by visiting our full collection of Spotlight posts.

Second Life Spotlight - Queen Ebony
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/second-life-spotlight-queen-ebony-r11259/

Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Ebony Cyberstar (Queen Ebony), the creative force behind Majesty, whose love for interior design and eye for detail bring beautifully styled, lived-in spaces to life in Second Life. How long have you been in Second Life, and how did you first hear about it? I have been in Second Life since 2007. One of my friends told me about it while in a different virtual social setting. They talked about how fun it was, and it piqued my interest. I remember coming in for the first time and being in awe of the flexi hair and dresses! The magic of the movement and seeing the water with waves. I just had to have my own flowing hair and dresses! From the start, I loved having a nice house. Fun Fact: As a noob, I got furniture that was free and didn't realize I needed to uncheck the buy tab, and someone bought all my furniture for 0 Lindens. I came back to an almost empty house. LOL! I learned my lesson very quickly! Majesty has been part of Second Life since 2009. How did the brand begin, and what originally drew you to decorating and interior design? It started with a mix of me having an interior decorating service and making shapes for men and women. The brand name I used originally was feminine, and I wanted something that would be gender neutral and would also work no matter what I wanted to do in Second Life. I didn't want to be restricted at all. I love royal terms, so Majesty was an easy pick, and I have been using it since 2009. I have always been drawn to decorating. It's the main way that I use my creativity. The ability to find such amazing decor and furniture items in SL inspired me to have my services as a commission-based venture, but also add my decor spaces to my blog, which I had originally started on WordPress and then later moved to Blogger. I just saw all of these new homes releasing all the time and couldn't help but be drawn to decorate as many as I could and share my passion along the way. I stopped doing commissions so long ago now. I hope one day to either do them again or find an alternative way to decorate for people who love my work. Once it became a choice to do one or the other, I decided blogging would showcase my vision to a wider audience than just being commission-based, which limited me in some ways. Decorating is something you’ve described as your true passion. What keeps you inspired to keep creating new spaces after so many years in Second Life? Every day, I am decorating something and even looking at decor ideas online. It's just part of life for me. I decorate every day in some form. I get all of these ideas forming in my head, and when new homes or builds are released, I am always so excited to see a new vision come to life. I can say I have been burnt out and felt like my creativity was just gone at times in these last years. I learned to take breaks. It's normal to feel that way after doing this for so long. We need to take time, refresh, and relax. I used to push out so many posts in a week, and I had to cut back tremendously over time due to time constraints and to just not to be in work mode all the time. I am constantly inspired to keep going with the love I get from my followers, other bloggers' creativity, and some amazing stores that bring out beautiful things. Your interiors feel very intentional and lived-in, not just staged for photos. How do you approach designing a space, from the first idea to the final details? The way you see me decorate and post on my blog is the same way I normally decorate my own homes in-world. I use the same amount of care and attention to detail. When I decorate, I typically start off with some form of inspiration. It could be the sofa in the main room, a color, or a focal point. I want the room to just evolve around the main vision. Sometimes, when rezzing a full set, I just study the

items for a little bit, and it just comes to me. I always decorate with the thought of using each space daily and making sure it functions properly that way. Your environment is very important. A bad or messy space can affect your mood. I literally decorate until I feel content with the space. I love a warm and cozy home, so I think it just reflects that way with my work. I know I am finished when nothing else comes to me. During the process, I tend to have all these ideas, and once it's complete, I just know. Photography plays a big role in how your work is experienced. How do you think about composition, lighting, and camera work when capturing your interiors? Photography was the hardest thing for me to perfect. I can decorate the nicest space, but my camera angle could easily portray it in a bad light. When I first started working with making sure that my pictures reflected the space properly, I had to take time to look through windlights and work on camera angles. During this time, it was more bloggers that had tutorials on different things. Anya Ohmai's in particular helped me. Over time, I have added the use of light projectors and found certain windlight settings that work well, depending upon what colors I am using in the home. I found that lighting and camera angle are very important in showing things at their best. If you look at my older pics on Flickr, you will see how I was all over the place at first, and my camera angle was horrible. I worked on it and got better. It also helps to have a nice PC with great graphics. Tell us about some of the other Residents in SL who inspire you and whose work you admire. It's so hard to narrow it down. I have so many people who inspire and have inspired me over my many years. I hope I am not doing too much here! LOL! Apple May- Designer- Her kindness and love/friendship always inspired me. I was able to decorate her sim through the seasons at one point for years and it really shaped how I did work for previous clients. Her creativity and belief in me helped me upon my journey. Anya Ohmai- Super creative! I have always loved her items, which became collectibles over the years. I have actually had 2 full sets of collectibles that got deleted out my inventory at random! Her tutorials helped me turn my pictures from basic to more focused and helped establish how I now do pictures in 2026. Promise Hollow aka Promise XOXO- Co COO of Cynful. I find inspiration from her designs and texturing her clothing for the brand. I have actually watched her draw the little creases on the clothing and make custom colors. She is magical. The store has my favorite color palette for clothing, and I am not being bias. Zhavad Naheed aka JJ Landar- Landscaper- Amazing landscaper. JJ is an amazing, creative, and has always been someone who inspired me and rooted for me to keep going. I have watched JJ landscape for clients, and it helped inspire me to try more landscape ideas outside the homes I decorate with. Kelly Firehawk- Decorator/blogger- One of the best bloggers out there. I love how she captures homes and the dark mood that she usually portrays. I tend to prefer darker spaces, and she decorates them so wonderfully. She is also an amazing person and dear friend whom I love like a sister. Armellerose Resident- Daughter- positive influence- shape maker- She is very creative and is always doing something out of the box and reminds me of myself when I was selling/making shapes. She is easily a shapeshifter and inspires me with making custom looks. Goldie Snookums- My twin- Club/event owner and designer- Goldie is amazing. She is very ambitious. Has owned many successful businesses, such as clubs and waterparks. She is very talented at running businesses and bringing her vision to life. She inspires me with her resilience and her spirit. There are also some amazing bloggers and friends that have inspired me and those that continue to inspire me with their talent, positive messages to me,

and beautiful work! I just want to mention some names. Blu Moonwall, Skippy Beresford, Juris Bergmanis, Jewel Doune, Lily of the Valley, Panda Banana, Aziza Rose, Luciole Zarco, Dakota Carrington Oatsmill & Savoeigh Miyako Blunt. I would also like to mention the Love to Decorate SL platform that has featured me over time and gives so many of us a cool outlet to showcase our work. I want to thank everyone that I didn't get to mention, and all of my amazing sponsors that keep me around! I am such an old head, you guys. The list would be so long to mention everyone! LOL! I apologize to anyone I didn't mention. I love you all. Do you have any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with the Second Life community? I want anyone who is thinking to themselves should I decorate or should I blog to stop overthinking it. You can do anything you want to do. I leave my old Flickr pics up for memories, but also to show people that it's ok to not have the most perfect picture or to rez things crooked. With work and dedication, you can do anything you set your mind to. My old pictures show you how far I have come with this. I didn't learn everything overnight. I am still learning. I still make mistakes, and I still strive to get better every day. I want to thank literally everyone who has ever spoken to me and shared how you love my work. It has meant so much to me! I can be out at events, and someone will message me, and it just makes my heart so happy. Taking the time out of your day to share positivity and how I might have helped you decorate your home or find a new item you love means a lot. It keeps me going! I know some people go by how many likes and favs they get. But a lot of people see your work without favoriting or liking anything! Please do not measure yourself by things like that. Do the best you can, and if you are happy with the end results, then you have won at the end of the day. I am rooting for us all! Keep a positive mindset, and it will lead the way! I want to thank the amazing Strawberry Linden for reaching out to me for this spotlight, Second Life, and all of the Lindens. I have loved Second Life for so long. It's truly a part of me. Let's keep making Second Life beautiful! Peace and Blessings xoxo <3333 Ebony Cyberstar aka Queen Ebony. Where can people see your work? Please share links to your sites and social media accounts. I have several social media outlets, but the main ones I keep updated are Flickr, Primfeed, and Facebook Majesty Blog- https://majestyfiles.blogspot.com Majesty Flickr- https://www.flickr.com/photos/120294943@N04 Majesty Primfeed- https://www.primfeed.com/queen.ebony Majesty Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/majesty.co Majesty Facebook Page- https://www.facebook.com/MajestyLLC Majesty Linktree- https://linktr.ee/Majesty.SL Thank you, Ebony, for sharing your journey and for continuing to bring your creativity, vision, and passion for interior design into Second Life. Each of our Spotlight interviews offers a unique glimpse into the diverse experiences and vibrant personalities that shape our virtual world. Explore more stories and get inspired by visiting our full collection of Spotlight posts.

SL23B Applications Now Open for Exhibitors and Performers!
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/sl23b-applications-now-open-for-exhibitors-and-performers-r11260/

Save the date! On June 23rd, Second Life turns 23. The 23rd annual Second Life birthday celebration (SL23B) will take place from June 18th through July 19th, 2026. Get ready for a full month of live music, performances, community exhibits, and celebrations across the grid. This year’s theme is The Golden Age of Hollywood. Think classic cinema, red carpets, vintage glamour, and the magic of the silver screen. While the theme may inspire many builds and performances, exhibits are not required to follow the theme. We encourage you to share what makes your Second Life experience meaningful. Your interests. Your communities. Your creativity. Every year, we celebrate because of the incredible Residents who bring this world to life. The birthday celebrations are an opportunity to showcase what inspires you and what keeps you coming back. Exhibitor ApplicationsWe are inviting Residents from across the community to create non-commercial exhibits that reflect the depth and diversity of Second Life. From art and roleplay to communities, nonprofits, and interactive experiences, exhibits highlight the many ways people connect and create together. If you are a merchant who is interested in participating in the SL23B Shop and Hop, that application will be available at the end of April. As in recent years, two types of exhibitor regions will be available: General rated regions Adult rated regions If you would like to participate as an exhibitor at SL23B, please submit your application by May 18th, 2026. Performer ApplicationsPerformances are a major part of the SL birthday celebrations, bringing energy and entertainment to stages throughout the event. We are looking for a wide range of performers to join the festivities. DJs, live musicians, singers, dance troupes, theater groups, particle performers, lecturers, workshop hosts, and community storytellers are all welcome to apply. Performances help create the lively atmosphere that makes the birthday celebration memorable for visitors from around the world. While we encourage all interested performers to sign up, please note that it does not guarantee a spot. We will review all submissions and invite accepted performers to reserve a performance time via a follow-up note in-world to the SL username that you provide. We will schedule performers in the order they apply. If you would like to perform at SL23B, please submit your application by May 18th, 2026. Over the next few months, watch the blog for additional opportunities to participate in the SL23B celebrations, including volunteer and merchant applications. We look forward to celebrating 23 years of Second Life with you! Current Applications for SL23BExhibitors Application – Applications close on May 18, 2026 Performers Application – Applications close on May 18, 2026

Introducing New Onboarding Experiences Built by Second Life Creators
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/introducing-new-onboarding-experiences-built-by-second-life-creators-r11261/

As part of our ongoing experimentation with improving the new user experience, we’ve recently launched a new set of onboarding destinations in Second Life designed to make Residents’ first moments more social, interactive, and fun. Each experience has been independently built by a group of talented community creators and are currently among the first locations newly-registered community members will experience for a limited time as we continue to assess what types of experiences and locations retain and engage our newcomers. The project, which was part of a pilot New User Experience Working Group (NUXWG) that concluded its formal work last week, is an outgrowth of our ongoing Creator Partnership Program, where we work directly with the community for select partnerships across a variety of initiatives. The same creator working group recently built several new mobile-specific landing locations last year, as well. Over the next few weeks, we will be testing these and other starter locations as we continue our ongoing efforts to experiment, learn, and evolve the new user experience - with ongoing consideration for our Community Gateway partners and other collaborations. We invite the community to check these locations out for yourself and support these creators who put lots of love and labor into this project. Explore the Experiences: MadPea Scaredy Cats Funhouse - Created by MadPea A cute yet spooky funhouse adventure where players explore whimsical, slightly eerie rooms filled with playful monsters and hidden kittens. Rescue lost kittens across three themed rooms, earn points to climb the leaderboard, unlock achievements, and win exclusive prizes while avoiding trickster monsters and light jump scares. Driving Dirty - Created by Bad Unicorn Driving Dirty by Bad Unicorn is a fast and fun social experience where you can play different games, grab free prizes, meet new people, and hang out with others. Enjoy a laid-back, all-original mesh world built for both competition and connection. Rush Week - Created by Alterscape Rush Week is a special Greek Row experience built to spark the right connections. The right role. The right energy. The right people. With the matchmaking Spark system, it pairs you with compatible residents and live scenes from the moment you arrive. Become someone on campus and find your vibe. Brazil Tour - Created by Ajuda SL Brasil Brazil Tour is inspired by the beauty and culture of Brazil. Explore vibrant spaces, meet others, and discover creativity, fun, and possibilities through a social and engaging experience with Portuguese-speaking community support. Club Midnight Pulse - Created by Bad Unicorn and ARCBACK Midnight Pulse is a neon-lit nightclub where music, movement, and social interaction come together. Step onto the dance floor to start dancing automatically, earn experience as you move, and unlock new animations. Explore the bar and lounge, complete mini-quests, and connect with others in a high-energy setting. The Learning Center - Created by SL Studios The Learning Center is an interactive destination designed to teach the basics through gameplay. Explore obstacle courses, collect hidden stars, and learn core skills while progressing through challenges alone or with others. P.S. Have a collaboration idea you’d like to pitch to the Second Life team? Reach out through the Creator Partnership Program and help shape what comes next.

SL Video Creators Group’s Hot Off the Render for April 2026 at the Second Life Cinema
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/sl-video-creators-groups-hot-off-the-render-for-april-2026-at-the-second-life-cinema-r11262/

Calling all machinima fans! The SL Video Creators Group is back at the Second Life Cinema with another special compilation, Hot Off the Render for April 2026! Founded by Jordan Rizzo in 2020, the SL Video Creators Group connects filmmakers across Second Life to share knowledge, collaborate, and spotlight original machinima. This April, SLVCG is featuring a curated trailer-style reel packed with brand-new releases from directors across the grid. It is a fast-paced look at the latest storytelling, music videos, cinematic shorts, and experimental projects now making their debut. Directors featured in this showcase include (in order of appearance): BLUPRNT “Mansa Morales” FieFie Venus Himanez Wendi Ruby Mooncat Clip Sara Rowley Jack Alpha Kawanishi Yana Loka Smiley LP Kidd Seka Vids Kevin Himanez Sunset Dreamscape Any Bergan Teal Aurelia Studio Feylen Bely Haze SueSue Sideways Obsydia Studios Moolly Parton Hikaru Ito Cat Pink SL Jackson Redstar Kris Gard Eripom Moonwall MAB Leeeroy Mara Catlyn Velbons Visit the Second Life Cinema and enjoy the showcase in a shared theater setting with friends. Make sure your media and sound settings are enabled, and volume turned up. If the video does not start immediately, try toggling the play/pause button until the video plays. This is a snapshot of what creators are producing right now, straight from the timeline and onto the big screen. Stop by the Cinema during April and catch the latest machinima releases all in one place.

More Stores Are Coming to Ridgewood Enclave Commercial Districts
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/more-stores-are-coming-to-ridgewood-enclave-commercial-districts-r11263/

The response to the Ridgewood Enclave Commercial Districts has been incredible! Since launch, these dedicated shopping regions in Bellisseria have quickly filled with merchants bringing a wide range of products and storefront styles to life. Premium Plus members can claim a 1024 sq m parcel with a ready-to-use building, no purchase price, and no monthly fee (based on availability). If you haven’t explored yet, start at the Greenbush Hill region and see what’s already open, with more stores continuing to arrive. New Wiki Resource To help both new and existing shop owners, a dedicated wiki page is now live with full details on how the Commercial Districts work, including setup steps, building options, and guidelines. It covers everything from how to claim a parcel to what’s allowed within your store, along with customization tools and best practices. The Commercial District covenant has also been updated, so be sure to review the latest guidelines before setting up your store. More Stores Coming Soon Demand for these spaces continues to grow, and more stores are on the way as new parcels become available. If you’re thinking about opening a store, keep an eye out for availability in the Commercial District regions. And if you’re a shopper, expect to see even more variety and activity in the weeks ahead. Explore the Current Commercial District regions: Big Toque Broadstreet Brubeck Downbeat Fortune Hills Greenbush Hill Highlight Scherzo Sidewall West Martinet Yellow Brick

Announcing the Home Owners Association!
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/announcing-the-home-owners-association-r11264/

We are looking for a few good residents interested in running for positions in the new Home Owners Association (HOA). Members of the HOA help the Lindens and Moles keep Second Life safe and beautiful by identifying and reporting violations of the Linden Homes Covenant. To be considered, applicants must be homeowners. A demonstrated record of vigilance and a willingness to help your fellow residents is preferred, but trainee positions are also open. Conflict resolution experience is a plus. Members are not paid, but do have influence through the HOA Policies & Planning Committee, which recommends covenant enhancements to the LDPW. Assist residents in understanding and following the rules to maintain peace and tranquility. Be part of the HOA’s long-range vision for grid-wide stability! Watch the video for more information! https://youtu.be/H2MZvFXba-s

Spring is Blooming with Premium Gifts! 🌷
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/spring-is-blooming-with-premium-gifts-%F0%9F%8C%B7-r11265/

The virtual meadows are finally waking up, and it’s time to shake off the winter pixel-frost. This season, the Premium Gifts are all about embracing the quiet, charming joys of a virtual garden. Whether you are tending a vast estate or a cozy garden, these new additions bring a breath of fresh air to your home. The Buzz Around the Garden There is something so peaceful about curate-and-create gameplay. To keep your pollinators happy, you can now set up a charming Bee Hotel. It’s the perfect way to add a bit of realism and sweetness to your landscaping. A Flutter of Color For those who love a bit of movement, the new bird feeder house is a must-have. The finches come in three types (Gold Finch, Bull Finch, and House Finch) all ready to fly away! Watching them fly around your property adds that perfect touch of a living atmosphere. Ready to Get Digging? If you like to get your hands dirty, the garden basket comes overflowing with all the tools you need for a day in the dirt. You can even grab the wearable watering can to “look the part” while you tend to your garden. Don't forget to set out your seeds tray to show everyone that the planting season has officially begun! Looking for something even more magical? There is a beautiful Butterfly Box! Once you peek inside, a flurry of wings escapes to decorate the air around you. A Most Distinguished Guest While the flowers are lovely, the true talk of the garden this month is undoubtedly Sir Croakwell. This dapper garden frog sculpture adds a touch of "stony" elegance to any pond’s edge or flower bed. However, don't let his stationary nature fool you—Sir Croakwell is a frog of many opinions. If you happen to linger near him, you might find he’s a bit more... vocal than your average lawn ornament. He's definitely a personality you'll want to meet in person and he'll definitely catch you by surprise. Don't forget to stop by the Premium kiosks to claim your spring treasures! List of Premium Kiosks: Sandbox Mirificatio Sandbox Unttan Sandbox Decorus Sandbox Astutula Sandbox Atroth Sandbox Admiranda Sandbox Saminekim Sandbox Rock Gulch Sandbox Salt Gulch Sandbox Nysray

Voice Service Disruption on April 1, 2026
https://community.secondlife.com/news/tools-and-technology/voice-service-disruption-on-april-1-2026-r11266/

On April 1st, some of you experienced issues with inworld voice, including trouble connecting or unexpected audio drops. We know how important voice is for socializing, events, and everyday interactions in Second Life, and we take disruptions like this seriously - this is why we’ve been careful in rolling out the updated Voice Services. What Happened Earlier in the day, we expanded the new Voice service to a larger number of regions, and the system began to experience increasing strain as usage grew. Over time, this led to parts of the system becoming overwhelmed, which prevented new voice sessions from being established and caused instability for existing connections. As the system attempted to reroute traffic to keep things running, the added load created a ripple effect that impacted multiple regions. How We Fixed It Once our engineering team identified the issue, we acted quickly to stabilize the service by expanding capacity and redistributing traffic across additional resources. This allowed voice connections to recover and return to normal operation. What We’re Doing Next We’re taking several steps to reduce the likelihood of this happening again and to improve how quickly we respond if it does: Better monitoring and alerts so our engineers are notified immediately when issues begin Increased system capacity to better handle peak usage Improvements to traffic management to prevent cascading failures during high load Ongoing infrastructure review to ensure long-term stability and scalability Looking Ahead: WebRTC Voice This incident underscores why we’re continuing to invest in our next-generation voice system - and why we’ve been so carefully pressure-testing our systems during the rollout. Our WebRTC-based voice service is designed to be more resilient and scalable, while also delivering a significantly improved experience. Residents can expect crystal-clear audio that feels more natural and immersive, ultra-low latency for real-time conversations without frustrating delays, and near-instant connections when joining voice channels. WebRTC will also open the door for new features such as transcription and text-to-speech. These improvements will not only enhance everyday communication, but also help ensure greater stability as voice usage continues to grow across Second Life. Thank You We appreciate your patience while we worked to resolve this issue. Your reports helped us quickly understand the scope of the problem, and we’re committed to continuing improvements to make Second Life more reliable for everyone.

Second Life Spotlight - Beetle Wilder
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/second-life-spotlight-beetle-wilder-r11267/

Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Beetle Wilder, the filmmaker behind Wilder Productions, known for creating humorous, fast-paced videos that bring a fresh and entertaining perspective to Second Life. How long have you been in Second Life, and how did you first hear about it? I’ve been interested in virtual worlds since I was a teenager on the family computer back around 2000, but it wasn’t until 2007 that I discovered Second Life and decided to give it a try. Back then, I mostly logged in just to chat, and the real possibilities didn’t click for me until a few years ago, when a good friend helped me create my first real avatar. What drew you to machinima and virtual filmmaking in Second Life, and how did that evolve into Wilder Productions? When I came back to SL in 2021, I dabbled with simple selfies for a bit, but it wasn’t until someone shared a TikTok of a guy dancing to a Hall & Oates song that I thought, “I wonder if I could make something like that in SL?” (it turns out you can). I made a handful of music videos and had a lot of fun, and eventually, I was asked by stores like Waffle and Bad Unicorn to make videos advertising their products. I love doing voiceover work, and the videos gave me an outlet to practice doing character voices, too. A video production service felt like the natural way to go after that. Your videos are consistently humorous, tightly edited, and instantly recognizable in tone. How do you approach comedy and timing in a virtual environment, and did you have any prior experience with video creation or editing before working in Second Life? My best friend and I were class clowns. In the 90s, we’d make home movies when we were kids, improvising scenes, and we’d play them back and laugh until we cried. Over the years, we found ways of planning more structured sketches, thinking about what other people may like. His poor parents became our test audience. I ended up in film school, and that turned into a long-term role as a marketing manager, graphic designer, and videographer. I’d always try to find a way to sneak humor into everything I made. With Second Life filmmaking, I knew comedy would be different without real actors, so I focused more on the quirks of avatars themselves and leaned into those limitations to make something that feels intentional. I try to strike a balance between being self-aware and treating the virtual space as though it were real. That way, I can use traditional comedic timing while still poking fun at the wonderful weirdness of machinima. Can you walk us through your creative process, from concept to final cut? What tools, techniques, or inworld tricks do you rely on most? First, I chug 8 gallons of coffee and slip into a fugue state where I dream of living inside ‘I Ain’t Got Nobody’ by David Lee Roth. When I wake up, the video is somehow finished. Just kidding. It usually starts with a script, after a quick conversation with the client about what they’re looking for. Then I rope in my friends Ingo and Lemony to help build sets (I do not deserve them) and get my actors together to finalize costumes. I record in Firestorm using OBS, flying my camera around with a PC controller like a drone. The footage goes into Adobe Premiere Pro, where I chop out all the stuff I don’t like, reducing 30 minutes down to just a couple, or even 19 seconds for a Linden Lab video. Next, I record my voiceover and choose the music, which helps lock down the pacing and structure. For finishing touches, I like to add a smidge of chromatic aberration and film grain to emulate old video, because it can help to disguise the jagged effect that can appear on the edges of things in SL. Also, it looks rad. Then, more color grading, tightening the timing, cleaning up the audio, and finally rendering and delivery. I wasn’t joking about the coffee, though.

Collaboration is a big part of virtual filmmaking. How do you work with other Residents, performers, or creators when bringing a project to life? I’ve been lucky to make friends with some truly talented Residents who help build sets, perform as actors, and even shape the ideas themselves. Some projects are a group effort. For example, a video I collaborated with Waffle on was driven entirely by his concept, characters, and script, and I came in to help bring it to life through filming and editing. Other times, I’ll come in with a clear vision, and the people I work with elevate it in ways I wouldn’t have thought of on my own. The final result is something better than I could do alone. For Residents interested in trying machinima themselves, what advice or lessons would you share? You’re going to struggle with a lot of the technical aspects right off the bat. That’s okay. It’s better to get your ideas out there first, then obsess over the minutiae later. Everyone’s setup is different, and you may have to experiment with different screen recording software, graphics settings, and camera movement techniques. Idea over perfection. An interesting shot at 20fps is better than a boring one at 60. Join a community like SLVCG. There are people out there who will be glad to help, have decades of experience, and might have massive inventories you can utilize to help bring your ideas to life. Set aside time to make the videos YOU want. Commissions are great, but don’t forget, you’re doing this for the love of the game. Listen to your friends, and don’t be afraid to be different. Tell us about some of the other Residents in SL who inspire you and whose work you admire. There are a lot of people out there who have built sims, created products, taken incredible photos, or made amazing videos who have inspired me over the years. I’m hesitant to name them because I know I’m going to forget some people, but I’ll give it a try. Victoire at Le Chateau and Paul Cutter at Mother Road, two sims built with a vintage aesthetic that I took to like a fish to water immediately. Leo & Rayni Prospero, who gave me a home. Seven Emporium, Waffle, Marina Munter, Soy, Dirty Rat, NeutralTones, Somnium, Muniick, Haikei, and Archivefaction, among many, many others. I’m always excited to see new releases from them, and they have helped me build my own style in SL. Owl Sweetwater is this one-of-a-kind, beautifully eccentric DJ, performer, and sim builder whose events I try not to miss. Rance Alva is a DJ who seems to always play music that clicks for me. Feorie Frimon, Lozza Weymann, and Jordan Rizzo, with their tireless devotion to the art of machinima and the video creators community. There are many other Residents whose work I admire, and I could fill a whole page with their names, and I’m sorry if I’ve forgotten anyone. There really is this giant interconnected web of amazing people all working together to make Second Life a better place. Where can people see your work? Please share links to your sites and social media accounts. https://wilder.carrd.co Flickr -> https://www.flickr.com/photos/158008268@N08 I’ve posted most of my videos here. Primfeed -> https://www.primfeed.com/wilder Since most of the videos I make are commissions from creators and LL, you can often see them posted to their socials. But I do try to repost their stuff on my accounts. Thank you, Beetle, for contributing your creativity and comedic storytelling to Second Life and for pushing machinima in fun and unexpected directions. Each of our Spotlight interviews offers a unique glimpse into the diverse experiences and vibrant personalities that shape our virtual world. Explore more stories and get inspired by visiting our full collection of Spotlight posts.

SL23B Applications Now Open for Volunteers!
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/sl23b-applications-now-open-for-volunteers-r11268/

Save the date! On June 23rd, Second Life turns 23. The 23rd annual Second Life birthday celebration (SL23B) will take place from June 18th through July 19th, 2026. Get ready for a full month of live music, performances, community exhibits, and celebrations across the grid. This year’s theme is The Golden Age of Hollywood. Think classic cinema, red carpets, vintage glamour, and the magic of the silver screen. We’re looking for volunteers to help bring the celebration to life. SL23B volunteers play an important role in welcoming visitors, assisting with events, and helping guests explore the birthday regions. We’re seeking Residents with strong people skills, patience, and enthusiasm for sharing the best of Second Life with others. Volunteers help answer questions, guide visitors through the celebration regions, and support the many activities happening throughout the event. If you enjoy helping others and want to be part of the team that makes SL23B run smoothly, we encourage you to submit a volunteer application by May 18th, 2026. Over the next few weeks, keep an eye on the blog for more opportunities to participate in the SL23B celebrations as a creator. Current Applications for SL23B: Volunteer Application – Applications close on May 18, 2026 Performers Application – Applications close on May 18, 2026 (Announcement) Exhibitors Application – Applications close on May 18, 2026 (Announcement)

A New Chapter for Mainland: Gaeta 1 Transition & Zindra Expansion
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/a-new-chapter-for-mainland-gaeta-1-transition-zindra-expansion-r11269/

Over the coming months, we will begin a gradual transition of the mainland continent Gaeta 1. During this same period, we will also be bringing approximately 90 new regions online as part of an expansion of the Adult mainland continent of Zindra. We know many of you have built homes, businesses, and communities in Gaeta 1. We understand that your parcel is not just land on a map. It is a place you chose and shaped. Our focus throughout this process is to make sure you have the time, options, and support to move to a place you will enjoy just as much if not more. Why this is happeningAdult mainland continues to operate at very high occupancy and shows consistent demand. At the same time, some General and Moderate mainland areas, including Gaeta 1, have seen lower overall use over time. Instead of expanding the total size of mainland, we are adjusting existing capacity to better reflect where Residents are most active today. This change applies only to the unconnected continent named Gaeta 1. It is not part of a broader mainland closure, and there are no changes to content policy connected to this announcement. What is changingGaeta 1 will begin transitioning offline in phases starting in April, with completion expected by the end of 2026. At the same time, new regions will be added to Zindra. These regions will include scenic waterfront, extended road networks, coastal water passages, and additional development that helps complete and enhance the Zindra continent. The rollout will happen gradually. No region will close without advance notice and direct communication with affected landowners. What Gaeta 1 landowners can expectBeginning in early April, we will start personalized outreach. Every active landowner will receive direct communication from a Linden outlining relocation options and next steps. Landowners will be offered size-for-size parcel replacement. We will work with you to find a comparable parcel that suits your needs and preferences. Moving to Zindra is not required. It is simply one of the available options. If Adult mainland is a good fit for you, you will have priority access to newly created regions. If it is not, we will work with you to identify suitable alternatives on other mainland areas that match your maturity preference. This is not a rush process. The transition will unfold across many months, and conversations will happen before any region is retired. You will have time to plan, ask questions, and explore options. Our goal is to approach this thoughtfully and respectfully, with clear communication at every stage. Looking aheadSecond Life continues to grow and change, and mainland remains an important part of that experience. Our commitment throughout this transition is straightforward: Give our Residents time Provide clear options Offer direct support Maintain long-term mainland stability We look forward to working closely with the Gaeta 1 community and helping each of you find a new place that feels right. Feedback and QuestionsTo answer questions and hear your feedback, we will host an in-world Town Hall on Monday, April 20, 2026 from 11am to 12pm SLT (PDT). You can join us at one of the following locations: https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Town%20Hall%20Island1/241/15/29 https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Town%20Hall%20Island2/8/23/29 https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Town%20Hall%20Island3/234/246/29 Additionally, we welcome you to join the discussion on the forums. -The Second Life Land Operations Team

Highlights from the Second Life Destination Guide - April 16th, 2026
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/highlights-from-the-second-life-destination-guide-april-16th-2026-r11270/

Each week, the Second Life Destination Guide editorial team reviews dozens of new locations and events worth exploring. With all those beautiful destinations to check out, we thought we would highlight some of the entries that stood out to the editorial team. Don't forget to check our Recently Added category to see all the latest additions to the Second Life Destination Guide! Got a spot that you’d like listed in the Destination Guide? Make sure to drop us a note at editor@lindenlab.com or submit your spot via web form. Learn more about the Destination Guide criteria for Editors’ Picks or the Destinations Floater in the viewer, and increase your chances of being featured in those coveted spots!