Ending Support for Project Zero – and What’s Next
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/ending-support-for-project-zero-and-whats-next-r11271/
Last year, we introduced Project Zero as an experiment to explore a new way of accessing Second Life through a web browser. Many of you took part in testing Project Zero and shared thoughtful feedback along the way. Your involvement (and the feedback you shared) has been incredibly valuable in helping us better understand how lowering the barrier to entry – by removing the need for downloads or high-end hardware – could help improve new user onboarding and engagement. Thank you for being part of that process. Based on what we’ve learned, we’ve made the decision to end support for the Project Zero Viewer on Friday, April 24 at 5 p.m. PST.. We know this change impacts those of you who have been actively using Project Zero, and we want to make this transition as smooth as possible. If you have remaining paid time associated with Project Zero, we encourage you to use it before that date. For any unused time after April 24, please file a support ticket and we will process your refund up to 30 days after we receive the ticket. The Second Life mobile app and desktop viewer are not affected and will continue to operate as usual. The insights gained from Project Zero will directly inform improvements to these core experiences, helping us focus our efforts where they can have the greatest impact. Our work to make Second Life more accessible, welcoming, and engaging is ongoing. We look forward to sharing more with you soon.
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/ending-support-for-project-zero-and-whats-next-r11271/
Last year, we introduced Project Zero as an experiment to explore a new way of accessing Second Life through a web browser. Many of you took part in testing Project Zero and shared thoughtful feedback along the way. Your involvement (and the feedback you shared) has been incredibly valuable in helping us better understand how lowering the barrier to entry – by removing the need for downloads or high-end hardware – could help improve new user onboarding and engagement. Thank you for being part of that process. Based on what we’ve learned, we’ve made the decision to end support for the Project Zero Viewer on Friday, April 24 at 5 p.m. PST.. We know this change impacts those of you who have been actively using Project Zero, and we want to make this transition as smooth as possible. If you have remaining paid time associated with Project Zero, we encourage you to use it before that date. For any unused time after April 24, please file a support ticket and we will process your refund up to 30 days after we receive the ticket. The Second Life mobile app and desktop viewer are not affected and will continue to operate as usual. The insights gained from Project Zero will directly inform improvements to these core experiences, helping us focus our efforts where they can have the greatest impact. Our work to make Second Life more accessible, welcoming, and engaging is ongoing. We look forward to sharing more with you soon.
Streaming Second Life Across the Web
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/streaming-second-life-across-the-web-r11272/
Live streaming continues to be one of the most immediate ways to share experiences in Second Life and Residents are finding creative ways to go live across different social media platforms. A growing number of creators are streaming across YouTube, Kick, TikTok, and beyond, giving audiences outside the platform a real-time look at what’s possible in our virtual world. Here are a few streamers and video creators worth checking out: Seraphim (YouTube) Seraphim’s live-style streams and event coverage bring shopping events and releases to life, often mixing walkthroughs with commentary and community interaction. Meela Vanderbuilt (YouTube) Meela focuses on regular “shop with me” live streams centered around major events like the Access Event, covering fashion, home decor, and new releases each month. Her streams follow a consistent format and give viewers a full walkthrough of what’s new, making them a go-to for anyone who wants to keep up with trends and discover creators in real time. TheKickBox (Kick) Boxy has been experimenting with consistent daily streams on Kick, focusing on social experiences and approachable, conversational content. With a regular 7 PM SLT time slot and new ideas like the Cooking with Morticia series, this is an evolving project aimed at giving new users a window into Second Life. Consuela Blanche (YouTube) Known for her Behind the Brand series and community-driven content, Consuela blends interviews, commentary, and short-form clips that feel native to modern video platforms. Her content often highlights creators and adds personality to the experience. My Gameplay Diary (YouTube) A series of long-form streams centered on roleplay, decorating, shopping, and day-to-day life in Second Life. With recurring formats like Sunday Reset and ongoing storylines, this channel leans into relaxed, episodic content that builds over time. MetaRealities (YouTube) A commentary-driven channel by Prisqua Newall that uses Second Life as a lens to explore digital culture, online identity, and how people interact in virtual spaces. Expect opinion pieces, discussion topics, and deeper takes on the metaverse. The Kendra Project (YouTube) With a focus on home design and decorating, this channel offers longer-form videos that often feel like relaxed, guided sessions. From shopping trips to detailed builds, it’s an easy entry point for viewers interested in virtual design. Jas Land (YouTube) Jas focuses on decorating and building sessions, including live “Done in One” projects that walk viewers through the full creative process in real time. These streams are a good example of how Second Life creation translates into engaging live content. These are just a few examples to get started. Who are we missing? Let us know your favorites to check out and we’ll potentially include them in a follow-up post with even more streamers! If you are a streamer, you can also apply directly to join the Second Life Blogger Network, which includes a wide range of video creators, from livestreamers and machinima artists to short-form storytellers and educators, all sharing their own perspective on the platform. Join the Second Life Blogger Network to share your work and connect with a broader audience.
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/streaming-second-life-across-the-web-r11272/
Live streaming continues to be one of the most immediate ways to share experiences in Second Life and Residents are finding creative ways to go live across different social media platforms. A growing number of creators are streaming across YouTube, Kick, TikTok, and beyond, giving audiences outside the platform a real-time look at what’s possible in our virtual world. Here are a few streamers and video creators worth checking out: Seraphim (YouTube) Seraphim’s live-style streams and event coverage bring shopping events and releases to life, often mixing walkthroughs with commentary and community interaction. Meela Vanderbuilt (YouTube) Meela focuses on regular “shop with me” live streams centered around major events like the Access Event, covering fashion, home decor, and new releases each month. Her streams follow a consistent format and give viewers a full walkthrough of what’s new, making them a go-to for anyone who wants to keep up with trends and discover creators in real time. TheKickBox (Kick) Boxy has been experimenting with consistent daily streams on Kick, focusing on social experiences and approachable, conversational content. With a regular 7 PM SLT time slot and new ideas like the Cooking with Morticia series, this is an evolving project aimed at giving new users a window into Second Life. Consuela Blanche (YouTube) Known for her Behind the Brand series and community-driven content, Consuela blends interviews, commentary, and short-form clips that feel native to modern video platforms. Her content often highlights creators and adds personality to the experience. My Gameplay Diary (YouTube) A series of long-form streams centered on roleplay, decorating, shopping, and day-to-day life in Second Life. With recurring formats like Sunday Reset and ongoing storylines, this channel leans into relaxed, episodic content that builds over time. MetaRealities (YouTube) A commentary-driven channel by Prisqua Newall that uses Second Life as a lens to explore digital culture, online identity, and how people interact in virtual spaces. Expect opinion pieces, discussion topics, and deeper takes on the metaverse. The Kendra Project (YouTube) With a focus on home design and decorating, this channel offers longer-form videos that often feel like relaxed, guided sessions. From shopping trips to detailed builds, it’s an easy entry point for viewers interested in virtual design. Jas Land (YouTube) Jas focuses on decorating and building sessions, including live “Done in One” projects that walk viewers through the full creative process in real time. These streams are a good example of how Second Life creation translates into engaging live content. These are just a few examples to get started. Who are we missing? Let us know your favorites to check out and we’ll potentially include them in a follow-up post with even more streamers! If you are a streamer, you can also apply directly to join the Second Life Blogger Network, which includes a wide range of video creators, from livestreamers and machinima artists to short-form storytellers and educators, all sharing their own perspective on the platform. Join the Second Life Blogger Network to share your work and connect with a broader audience.
Highlights from the Second Life Destination Guide - April 24th, 2026
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/highlights-from-the-second-life-destination-guide-april-24th-2026-r11273/
Calling all fantasy fans! Fantasy Faire has returned with 20 fantasy regions to explore in support of Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society. To keep the theme going, discover even more destinations with a similar sense of magic and discovery from the Adventure and Fantasy category. 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!
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/highlights-from-the-second-life-destination-guide-april-24th-2026-r11273/
Calling all fantasy fans! Fantasy Faire has returned with 20 fantasy regions to explore in support of Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society. To keep the theme going, discover even more destinations with a similar sense of magic and discovery from the Adventure and Fantasy category. 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!
Second Life Spotlight - Sergio Castellanos
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/second-life-spotlight-sergio-castellanos-r11274/
Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Sergio Castellanos, the creative force behind GioNation, a machinima collective and learning space dedicated to storytelling, skill sharing, and uplifting creators in Second Life. How long have you been in Second Life, and how did you first hear about it? I’ve been in Second Life since 2011. Oddly enough, I first heard of it because of a documentary that I saw on TLC. It was about a man who was addicted to Second Life. I suppose, as an avid Sims player, I wanted to see what that addiction was about and if it could really hook me. Well, here I am almost 15 later (lol). What first inspired you to start creating videos in Second Life, and how did that lead to the creation of GioNation? In 2014, the Second Life landscape was very different. There were a handful of people making videos, but nothing compared to the diversity of talents that we have today. I wanted to tell a story, and I wanted that story to mean something. I had no idea where to start or what to do. I asked for help, and people either did not know or had no desire to share what they knew. Gionation (interchangeable with GION) was born from my desire to prevent others from struggling to learn the way that I had to. To give the community space, diversity, and skill share with people who wanted to know what I knew and wanted to do what I do. It started off as a production company, then grew into the first university on the urban side of the grid (The GioNation Institution of Film & Arts). Honestly, the university is one of my proudest accomplishments to this day. You have a distinct style that blends humor, fast pacing, and clear visual storytelling. How did that style develop? Oh, man. This is a good question. I think it comes from years of roleplay, life experience, and media consumption, honestly. I’m a lover of art; weird art, popular art, niche art, digital, and handcrafted art. I love books, movies, reading, writing, and telling stories. A true 80’s baby who grew up before the internet was really a thing. Back then, we had to keep ourselves entertained with our imaginations, the odd Barbie doll, action figure, or random pieces of paper that we folded into whatever we needed at the time. Fortune tellers, paper planes, spiral curls, cups… whatever we needed. Man, Imagine that? Having fun with a piece of paper. But having fun, making something out of nothing, has never been a problem for me. I’ve always had a really big imagination, and growing up in that era kind of forced me to be cerebral. Nowadays, people completely outsource their creativity to AI, and I think that's where a lot of artists lose the plot. Not saying there is not a time or a place for AI, but saying that I feel privileged to have grown up during an era before AI. A time when you really had to grind to get anything done. And I’m so grateful for that. The humor? Who knows, I’m just a weird person who likes to make people laugh and smile. If I’ve made you smile, then you’ve made my day. I don’t take myself too seriously, and I think that self-deprecating humor resonates with people who don’t either. I think the dad jokes sell the package, honestly. Like the other day, on Facebook, I saw a memory from years ago where I was thanking people for the buttfor. Walk us through your creative process. What tools, techniques, or inworld setups do you rely on most when filming and editing? The practical side of things? I use Action to record my screen and Adobe Premiere Pro to edit. I have used programs like Filmora and Camtasia in the past. Capcut is great for shorts! I enjoy filming in Black Dragon or Alchemy viewer, and I use an Xbox controller for flycam shots. Outside of practical things, I enjoy filming in dynamic lighting, scenery that tells a story of its own, and interesting visuals. As much as I’m drawn to humor,
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/second-life-spotlight-sergio-castellanos-r11274/
Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Sergio Castellanos, the creative force behind GioNation, a machinima collective and learning space dedicated to storytelling, skill sharing, and uplifting creators in Second Life. How long have you been in Second Life, and how did you first hear about it? I’ve been in Second Life since 2011. Oddly enough, I first heard of it because of a documentary that I saw on TLC. It was about a man who was addicted to Second Life. I suppose, as an avid Sims player, I wanted to see what that addiction was about and if it could really hook me. Well, here I am almost 15 later (lol). What first inspired you to start creating videos in Second Life, and how did that lead to the creation of GioNation? In 2014, the Second Life landscape was very different. There were a handful of people making videos, but nothing compared to the diversity of talents that we have today. I wanted to tell a story, and I wanted that story to mean something. I had no idea where to start or what to do. I asked for help, and people either did not know or had no desire to share what they knew. Gionation (interchangeable with GION) was born from my desire to prevent others from struggling to learn the way that I had to. To give the community space, diversity, and skill share with people who wanted to know what I knew and wanted to do what I do. It started off as a production company, then grew into the first university on the urban side of the grid (The GioNation Institution of Film & Arts). Honestly, the university is one of my proudest accomplishments to this day. You have a distinct style that blends humor, fast pacing, and clear visual storytelling. How did that style develop? Oh, man. This is a good question. I think it comes from years of roleplay, life experience, and media consumption, honestly. I’m a lover of art; weird art, popular art, niche art, digital, and handcrafted art. I love books, movies, reading, writing, and telling stories. A true 80’s baby who grew up before the internet was really a thing. Back then, we had to keep ourselves entertained with our imaginations, the odd Barbie doll, action figure, or random pieces of paper that we folded into whatever we needed at the time. Fortune tellers, paper planes, spiral curls, cups… whatever we needed. Man, Imagine that? Having fun with a piece of paper. But having fun, making something out of nothing, has never been a problem for me. I’ve always had a really big imagination, and growing up in that era kind of forced me to be cerebral. Nowadays, people completely outsource their creativity to AI, and I think that's where a lot of artists lose the plot. Not saying there is not a time or a place for AI, but saying that I feel privileged to have grown up during an era before AI. A time when you really had to grind to get anything done. And I’m so grateful for that. The humor? Who knows, I’m just a weird person who likes to make people laugh and smile. If I’ve made you smile, then you’ve made my day. I don’t take myself too seriously, and I think that self-deprecating humor resonates with people who don’t either. I think the dad jokes sell the package, honestly. Like the other day, on Facebook, I saw a memory from years ago where I was thanking people for the buttfor. Walk us through your creative process. What tools, techniques, or inworld setups do you rely on most when filming and editing? The practical side of things? I use Action to record my screen and Adobe Premiere Pro to edit. I have used programs like Filmora and Camtasia in the past. Capcut is great for shorts! I enjoy filming in Black Dragon or Alchemy viewer, and I use an Xbox controller for flycam shots. Outside of practical things, I enjoy filming in dynamic lighting, scenery that tells a story of its own, and interesting visuals. As much as I’m drawn to humor,
beauty, and clean shots, I’m drawn to the dark and uncanny, and I love filming it all. I feel my expression is well-rounded, and I’m always learning. I’ve been doing this for over a decade, and still I struggle with taking too long. Too long to film, too long for costumes, too long in editing. But I give myself grace and patience. I think that’s an important factor to remember, even when deadlines are approaching. Breathe and don’t give up. Don’t burn yourself out, and it’s ok to step away and regroup if you need to. Also, remember that the tools are important, but how you use them means so much more. I have fun when I record, and I make things that I want to see, pull something out of my head, and let it dance on screen. As long as you enjoy what you’re recording and keep learning as you go, you’ll be fine. There is no single magic or method for a good production. There is just you and what you want to say to the world. And I promise you, that's enough. Second Life is often about collaboration and shared creativity. How has working with other Residents shaped GioNation and your work overall? I’ve learned so much from collaborating over the years. I’ve learned to script, to mesh, to market, to animate. My store is a testament to that. NERG is small, a drop of water in an ocean of talent. But GioNation opened so many doors for myself and the people in my sphere. The people are the point. With GioNation (GION), the production company. We were the first production company that I know of to bring producers together and to operate as one team. We didn’t compete, we collaborated. Same with GIF (The Gionation Institution of Film & Arts), I collaborated with landscapers, photographers, videographers, meshers, and scripters. Amazingly talented people who taught skills that were so needed at the time. A community brings a variety of people together who have a common goal. Our goal was to teach. One core component was the teaching of culture. We wanted to create an “each one, teach one” mentality in Second Life. Where people recognized that we are better together and that we can do more together than we could do alone. For Residents who are interested in creating machinima or short-form video in Second Life, what advice or lessons have you learned along the way? Just start. Don’t wait until you’re good enough to start. Just start. You’ll learn along the way, but if you wait until you’re “good enough.” Then you’ll never start. Just start. Learn from others, learn from watching videos, and movies, looking at art... Don’t be afraid to watch a tutorial or to ask someone how they did something. Just like most good chefs start with a good recipe, good producers start with good instruction. Don’t be afraid of not knowing things or feeling insecure at your talent level. If you have something inside of you that is screaming to get out. Let it out. Just start. Stay humble and start again and again until one day people stop you and ask, “What advice do you have for people who want to create machinima?” And you’ll smile and tell them, “Just start.” Tell us about some of the other Residents in SL who inspire you and whose work you admire. Epiphany inspires me with her bright and beautiful scenes. I love how she floats her camera over anything and makes it look like magic. Plus, I don’t think anyone on the grid can do a better twerk video than her. Gunner inspires me with the depths of his creativity. His music, his rolling shots, his loving heart, and his genuine character. You can feel his heart when you watch his videos. Sabina inspires me with her gentle spirit and how she can make anything look like it's painted in glitter, her shots, her work, and her dedication. She is everything a good producer should be. Jordan and Loz inspire me with their dedication to celebrating talent in Second Life. I know just how demanding, rewarding, and difficult it is to run a video award platform in Second Life. So they are now and always will be the real
MVPs. Malus and Sere no longer create in Second Life, but they will be a forever inspiration. Sere with her long angles, quick cuts, strobes, and overlays that make her videos look like a VHS in the best way. And Malus, with his endurance, raw talent, edge, and visual depth that leaves my jaw locked in awe to this day. I am surrounded by so, so many talented videographers, and I draw inspiration from all of them. My brothers in Beta Omega Iota Fraternity have inspired so many of my videos. My mesh instructor, Agusta, inspires me to create and film my creations. My children and their mothers Jaliyah and Jihyun inspire me to take time for myself, to rest. They understand when I go deep into my creative bubble and quiet myself there. The list of people who inspire me is in the hundreds at this point. So I’ll just say that if I have ever liked, shared, or commented on one of your videos, then you have inspired me. Thank you for sharing your art with this world. Truly. Where can people see your work? Please share links to your sites and social media accounts. My Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sire.thompson Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sergiocastellanos5683 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sergio_castellanos_sl Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sergio_cast_sl Marketplace: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/155374 Thank you, Sergio, for bringing your imagination and energy into Second Life, and for inspiring others to create, learn, and just start. 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 Shop & Hop Applications Now Open!
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/sl23b-shop-hop-applications-now-open-r11276/
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. The SL23B Shop & Hop is the official multi-region shopping event of the Second Life birthday celebration. It brings together many of the platform’s talented creators, offering special releases and discounts during the event. As in recent years, two types of Shop & Hop regions will be available: Moderate rated regions Adult rated regions Creators who are interested in participating in the SL23B Shop & Hop can submit an application between April 30th and May 10th, 2026. Important details for participating creators: Setup dates: June 5 through June 8, 2026 Discount requirement: All participating stores must offer at least a 20% discount on all items Exclusive gift: Each store must provide a new, event-exclusive gift available for the duration of the event Follow the blog and subscribe to the weekly email newsletter for more updates about the SL23B celebrations as we get closer to June. Current applications for SL23B: Shop & Hop Application – Applications close on May 10, 2026 Volunteer Application – Applications close on May 18, 2026 (Announcement) Performers Application – Applications close on May 18, 2026 (Announcement) Exhibitors Application – Applications close on May 18, 2026 (Announcement)
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/sl23b-shop-hop-applications-now-open-r11276/
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. The SL23B Shop & Hop is the official multi-region shopping event of the Second Life birthday celebration. It brings together many of the platform’s talented creators, offering special releases and discounts during the event. As in recent years, two types of Shop & Hop regions will be available: Moderate rated regions Adult rated regions Creators who are interested in participating in the SL23B Shop & Hop can submit an application between April 30th and May 10th, 2026. Important details for participating creators: Setup dates: June 5 through June 8, 2026 Discount requirement: All participating stores must offer at least a 20% discount on all items Exclusive gift: Each store must provide a new, event-exclusive gift available for the duration of the event Follow the blog and subscribe to the weekly email newsletter for more updates about the SL23B celebrations as we get closer to June. Current applications for SL23B: Shop & Hop Application – Applications close on May 10, 2026 Volunteer Application – Applications close on May 18, 2026 (Announcement) Performers Application – Applications close on May 18, 2026 (Announcement) Exhibitors Application – Applications close on May 18, 2026 (Announcement)
Voice Service Update: Expanding WebRTC Voice to the Full Grid on May 5
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/voice-service-update-expanding-webrtc-voice-to-the-full-grid-on-may-5-r11277/
With the introduction of the widely used WebRTC standard for voice communication, you’ll begin to experience improvements to voice quality both immediately and over time. Following our initial limited release on March 18, which helped us validate performance and stability, we’re now bringing these updates to the full grid. ✅ What Should I Do? For most Residents: nothing, this rollout happens automatically. Both Second Life Viewer and Firestorm Viewer, going back to late 2024, have support for this voice service. However, if you want the best experience and access to the latest features: Use the latest Second Life Viewer or the latest Firestorm Beta for all the voice performance improvements and bugfixes Try the Second Life 26.2 Beta Viewer to access new voice moderation tools Be aware that voice behavior may vary slightly until the gridwide rollout completes This update to voice is also expanding beyond the desktop. With this rollout, Mobile users can now voice chat on our mobile app, making it easier to stay connected wherever you are. 🌍 Full Grid Rollout May 5 Starting May 5, WebRTC Voice will be rolled out across the entire Second Life grid. This marks a major milestone in modernizing voice communication, bringing improved reliability, lower latency, moderation tools, and a strong foundation for future voice features to all Residents. 🔄 About the Current Transition As we’ve expanded beyond the initial release channels, some Residents have noticed that the grid is currently split between: (new) WebRTC Voice (~25%) (legacy) Vivox Voice (~75%) We understand this has created confusion, especially when moving between regions using different voice systems. This mixed state is temporary and part of the phased rollout. Moving to full grid support on May 5th will resolve this split and unify the voice experience. 📞 P2P Calls During the Transition Before the full rollout on May 5, peer-to-peer (P2P) voice calls may not always behave as expected. This is a known limitation while both systems are active. Cross-system voice interactions can be inconsistent until the grid is fully on WebRTC. Once the rollout is complete, these inconsistencies will be resolved. 🎛️ Voice Moderation WebRTC also unlocks new capabilities, including voice moderation tools. To access these features today: Use the Second Life 26.2 Beta Viewer Ensure you are in a WebRTC-enabled region With voice moderation, authorized users can: Mute or unmute individual participants Mute or unmute all users in a voice channel Manage disruptive or unintended background noise These tools are especially useful for events, performances, and community gatherings — helping keep conversations clear and enjoyable for everyone. 🙏 Thank You Thank you to everyone who has tested WebRTC Voice so far and shared feedback. Your input has directly helped us reach this milestone. If you encounter any issues during the rollout, please continue to share feedback via the Feedback portal. We’re looking forward to bringing a more consistent, modern voice experience to all of Second Life. Stay tuned, there’s more to come!
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/voice-service-update-expanding-webrtc-voice-to-the-full-grid-on-may-5-r11277/
With the introduction of the widely used WebRTC standard for voice communication, you’ll begin to experience improvements to voice quality both immediately and over time. Following our initial limited release on March 18, which helped us validate performance and stability, we’re now bringing these updates to the full grid. ✅ What Should I Do? For most Residents: nothing, this rollout happens automatically. Both Second Life Viewer and Firestorm Viewer, going back to late 2024, have support for this voice service. However, if you want the best experience and access to the latest features: Use the latest Second Life Viewer or the latest Firestorm Beta for all the voice performance improvements and bugfixes Try the Second Life 26.2 Beta Viewer to access new voice moderation tools Be aware that voice behavior may vary slightly until the gridwide rollout completes This update to voice is also expanding beyond the desktop. With this rollout, Mobile users can now voice chat on our mobile app, making it easier to stay connected wherever you are. 🌍 Full Grid Rollout May 5 Starting May 5, WebRTC Voice will be rolled out across the entire Second Life grid. This marks a major milestone in modernizing voice communication, bringing improved reliability, lower latency, moderation tools, and a strong foundation for future voice features to all Residents. 🔄 About the Current Transition As we’ve expanded beyond the initial release channels, some Residents have noticed that the grid is currently split between: (new) WebRTC Voice (~25%) (legacy) Vivox Voice (~75%) We understand this has created confusion, especially when moving between regions using different voice systems. This mixed state is temporary and part of the phased rollout. Moving to full grid support on May 5th will resolve this split and unify the voice experience. 📞 P2P Calls During the Transition Before the full rollout on May 5, peer-to-peer (P2P) voice calls may not always behave as expected. This is a known limitation while both systems are active. Cross-system voice interactions can be inconsistent until the grid is fully on WebRTC. Once the rollout is complete, these inconsistencies will be resolved. 🎛️ Voice Moderation WebRTC also unlocks new capabilities, including voice moderation tools. To access these features today: Use the Second Life 26.2 Beta Viewer Ensure you are in a WebRTC-enabled region With voice moderation, authorized users can: Mute or unmute individual participants Mute or unmute all users in a voice channel Manage disruptive or unintended background noise These tools are especially useful for events, performances, and community gatherings — helping keep conversations clear and enjoyable for everyone. 🙏 Thank You Thank you to everyone who has tested WebRTC Voice so far and shared feedback. Your input has directly helped us reach this milestone. If you encounter any issues during the rollout, please continue to share feedback via the Feedback portal. We’re looking forward to bringing a more consistent, modern voice experience to all of Second Life. Stay tuned, there’s more to come!
SL Video Creators Group’s May 2026 Showcase at the Second Life Cinema!
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/sl-video-creators-groups-may-2026-showcase-at-the-second-life-cinema-r11278/
Calling all machinima fans! The SL Video Creators Group returns with another Director’s Showcase at the Second Life Cinema, this time featuring the wildly creative Beetle Wilder. Founded by Jordan Rizzo in 2020, the SL Video Creators Group continues to bring together filmmakers across Second Life to connect, collaborate, and celebrate machinima. Through monthly showcases like this one, the community highlights standout creators and the unique voices shaping virtual storytelling. Join us on Friday, May 1st at 6pm PT for a spotlight on Beetle Wilder, an award-winning director known for pushing boundaries with humor, voice acting, and unexpected storytelling. His work blends sharp comedic timing, dark humor, and experimental visuals that keep audiences guessing and laughing. From absurd, character-driven moments to stylized black-and-white pieces inspired by classic television, his videos refuse to follow a formula. In this episode, hosted by Lozza Weymann, Beetle shares how he got started in Second Life, his path from casual user to creator, and how his experiences as a DJ and performer helped shape his voice as a machinima director. He also dives into his creative process, balancing scripted storytelling with improvisation, and why embracing “weird” ideas can lead to the most memorable work. Where to watch: Inworld: Visit the Second Life Cinema and experience the showcase with friends in a shared virtual theater. Online: Watch simultaneously on the SL Video Creators YouTube channel. Make sure your media and sound settings are enabled for the best experience. In Preferences under Sound & Media, set Auto-Play Media to “Always” on. Once you arrive at the Cinema, the media should play. If it does not, click anywhere on the screen to activate playback. The video will begin automatically at the scheduled start time. Don’t miss this month’s showcase and be sure to return to the Cinema for new machinima each month.
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/sl-video-creators-groups-may-2026-showcase-at-the-second-life-cinema-r11278/
Calling all machinima fans! The SL Video Creators Group returns with another Director’s Showcase at the Second Life Cinema, this time featuring the wildly creative Beetle Wilder. Founded by Jordan Rizzo in 2020, the SL Video Creators Group continues to bring together filmmakers across Second Life to connect, collaborate, and celebrate machinima. Through monthly showcases like this one, the community highlights standout creators and the unique voices shaping virtual storytelling. Join us on Friday, May 1st at 6pm PT for a spotlight on Beetle Wilder, an award-winning director known for pushing boundaries with humor, voice acting, and unexpected storytelling. His work blends sharp comedic timing, dark humor, and experimental visuals that keep audiences guessing and laughing. From absurd, character-driven moments to stylized black-and-white pieces inspired by classic television, his videos refuse to follow a formula. In this episode, hosted by Lozza Weymann, Beetle shares how he got started in Second Life, his path from casual user to creator, and how his experiences as a DJ and performer helped shape his voice as a machinima director. He also dives into his creative process, balancing scripted storytelling with improvisation, and why embracing “weird” ideas can lead to the most memorable work. Where to watch: Inworld: Visit the Second Life Cinema and experience the showcase with friends in a shared virtual theater. Online: Watch simultaneously on the SL Video Creators YouTube channel. Make sure your media and sound settings are enabled for the best experience. In Preferences under Sound & Media, set Auto-Play Media to “Always” on. Once you arrive at the Cinema, the media should play. If it does not, click anywhere on the screen to activate playback. The video will begin automatically at the scheduled start time. Don’t miss this month’s showcase and be sure to return to the Cinema for new machinima each month.
Second Life Spotlight - Zen Rabbit
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/second-life-spotlight-zen-rabbit-r11279/
Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Zen Rabbit, the creator and driving force behind the Zany Zen Railway, a long-running railway experience inspired by real-world heritage lines and powered by a deep love of trains and community. How long have you been in Second Life, and how did you first hear about it? I joined on another avatar back in 2010, before becoming Zen in 2012. I heard of SL in 2007 when on holiday in Norfolk. What inspired you to create the Zany Zen Railway, and how did the project first get started? I've always been train mad for years, but I had let it simmer below the surface for a while, focusing on other things. In 2012, a friend and I had a steam-powered zeppelin (what does sound incredibly... dangerous fire-wise giggles). I decided to build a small railway on it to move coal around, and that was where I started work on my first steam locomotive, named the Pink Lady. In 2013, I opened a shop, and promptly used it as an excuse to have a small narrow gauge layout to the side, and that gave me an excuse to finish off the Pink Lady, whom I failed to finish for a year. In 2014, I started getting fairly bored trying to build to sell, as it became about the numbers and not the fun of creating, so later that year, I started looking for abandoned land. In early 2015, I found a parcel in Somdari, and it grew from there. I got very lucky that Guy Linden was willing to help me expand from the Somdari plot, and I just kept going till I was running through three sims, and then in 2017, we extended for the last time and created Little Coverston, giving us the line people know today. The ZZR captures the feel of a real-world heritage railway, especially with its UK inspiration. How do you approach realism and detail when designing the experience? I am very fortunate to have a real-life heritage railway on my doorstep, which sparked off my love of narrow gauge at a very early age. When I started the ZZR in 2015, I visited more, getting lots of pictures of inside the cabs, small details, and things not many would see. I like to include, as I love the fact that someone decades ago went "this needs to go here for this very reason!" I go on visits to a lot of narrow gauge lines in Wales, and have taken a lot of inspiration from them. Things just kept getting more detailed, and my skills have improved to the point that the newest locomotive, Illios (named in honour of Amalia Illios), is my most detailed locomotive to date. It has quickly become about me trying to give people an experience like real life, enjoying a slow trip through the area that sprang up around the ZZR. Every locomotive and wagon you ever see running is always somewhere on the ZZR. If you don't see a locomotive running, it is very much parked up in an engine shed somewhere waiting for its turn. The trains run on a full schedule, and the system is automated. Can you share a bit about how it all works behind the scenes? I have been very lucky to have some very talented people help with the scripting, a lot of relaying messages up and down to make sure things like the tracking maps, ticket machines, points and signalling all work, for the most part most of it operates without issue, but every day I will fly/ride up and down the ZZR checking visitor counters, and make sure the trains are running on time. The railway has grown into a destination with a strong following and repeat visitors. What has it been like seeing people return and make it part of their routine? Honestly, very humbling, one of the things I love about SL is that people around the world can come to this little railway and experience something that is a big passion for myself and many others, even if it's just a casual ride up and down with a group of friends or a partner. For every 1000 people visitors I see at Somdari's visitors counter, I always do a
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/second-life-spotlight-zen-rabbit-r11279/
Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Zen Rabbit, the creator and driving force behind the Zany Zen Railway, a long-running railway experience inspired by real-world heritage lines and powered by a deep love of trains and community. How long have you been in Second Life, and how did you first hear about it? I joined on another avatar back in 2010, before becoming Zen in 2012. I heard of SL in 2007 when on holiday in Norfolk. What inspired you to create the Zany Zen Railway, and how did the project first get started? I've always been train mad for years, but I had let it simmer below the surface for a while, focusing on other things. In 2012, a friend and I had a steam-powered zeppelin (what does sound incredibly... dangerous fire-wise giggles). I decided to build a small railway on it to move coal around, and that was where I started work on my first steam locomotive, named the Pink Lady. In 2013, I opened a shop, and promptly used it as an excuse to have a small narrow gauge layout to the side, and that gave me an excuse to finish off the Pink Lady, whom I failed to finish for a year. In 2014, I started getting fairly bored trying to build to sell, as it became about the numbers and not the fun of creating, so later that year, I started looking for abandoned land. In early 2015, I found a parcel in Somdari, and it grew from there. I got very lucky that Guy Linden was willing to help me expand from the Somdari plot, and I just kept going till I was running through three sims, and then in 2017, we extended for the last time and created Little Coverston, giving us the line people know today. The ZZR captures the feel of a real-world heritage railway, especially with its UK inspiration. How do you approach realism and detail when designing the experience? I am very fortunate to have a real-life heritage railway on my doorstep, which sparked off my love of narrow gauge at a very early age. When I started the ZZR in 2015, I visited more, getting lots of pictures of inside the cabs, small details, and things not many would see. I like to include, as I love the fact that someone decades ago went "this needs to go here for this very reason!" I go on visits to a lot of narrow gauge lines in Wales, and have taken a lot of inspiration from them. Things just kept getting more detailed, and my skills have improved to the point that the newest locomotive, Illios (named in honour of Amalia Illios), is my most detailed locomotive to date. It has quickly become about me trying to give people an experience like real life, enjoying a slow trip through the area that sprang up around the ZZR. Every locomotive and wagon you ever see running is always somewhere on the ZZR. If you don't see a locomotive running, it is very much parked up in an engine shed somewhere waiting for its turn. The trains run on a full schedule, and the system is automated. Can you share a bit about how it all works behind the scenes? I have been very lucky to have some very talented people help with the scripting, a lot of relaying messages up and down to make sure things like the tracking maps, ticket machines, points and signalling all work, for the most part most of it operates without issue, but every day I will fly/ride up and down the ZZR checking visitor counters, and make sure the trains are running on time. The railway has grown into a destination with a strong following and repeat visitors. What has it been like seeing people return and make it part of their routine? Honestly, very humbling, one of the things I love about SL is that people around the world can come to this little railway and experience something that is a big passion for myself and many others, even if it's just a casual ride up and down with a group of friends or a partner. For every 1000 people visitors I see at Somdari's visitors counter, I always do a
celebration post, thanking everyone for visiting "a railway is nothing without its passengers". I still seek out people's videos and pictures on it, every so often showing my parents and RL family, as they know how much the railway means to me. You’ve collaborated with other Residents and credited many people for helping shape the railway. Can you tell us about those collaborations and what they’ve meant to you? I feel very lucky, if it wasn't for people like Dizzi Sternberg, Janet Rossini, Nightshade Fugu, Amalia Illios, Libby Static, Valérie (Valhalla Xaris), Gwain Knightly (gwainalot), Eesoov Elan, Followmeimthe Piedpiper, my partner Firefly Fairelander, and so many others, I know I would have never gotten to see so many things happen at the ZZR. Amalia and Eesoov have very much helped create some of the best things, such as the announcements, ticketing system, and website. Many other things wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for Amalia. Without Eesoov, Cyfnos and Ahndang, works wouldn't exist. She donated land to the railway for Cyfnos, then she bought land in Ahndang to make a little slate works, which has become the ZZR Lore starting point, as every railway needs a story of why it came to be. Dizzi, Janet and Night are the ones who helped script the ZZR trains back in 2016. If it wasn't for them, I believe we wouldn't have carriages or locomotives running even to this day. Not to forget everyone who created Seogyeoshire, for 5 years the ZZR ran through mostly abandoned land, then in late 2020, Roary founded Seogyeoshire, and it has evolved around the railway and now covers over 12 sims. Thanks to ʀᴏᴀʀʏ ᴀᴘ ᴄʏᴍʀᴜ (RoaryCymru), Libby Static, Valérie (Valhalla Xaris) Zoe Foodiboo, Margaret Maria Verney (MariaAntonia Barenhaut), Georgina Rowley, Cuthbert Helendale, Ernst Osterham and many more. For someone visiting the Zany Zen Railway for the first time, what do you recommend they make sure not to miss? That is a tough one, it's a tie between three things: Cyfnos works, and the engine sheds, allowing you to get a good look at the locos and carriages. The signal box at Somdari station that mimics what's happening on the railway. Seogyeo Station, as that is where the trains pass each other, and a good stop off point to explore the town of Seogyeo and the wider area of Seogyeoshire. Where can people visit the Zany Zen Railway or follow updates? Please share any relevant links. I have a website where all ZZR news is posted and information here: https://zanyzenrailway.com I also post to the Seogyeoshire Discord in a Zany Zen Railway channel: https://discord.gg/b4SGkCfydh along with my socials: https://www.primfeed.com/zen.rabbit https://www.flickr.com/photos/zenriaco_adventures https://www.youtube.com/@tHeZaNyZeN https://bsky.app/profile/thezanyzen.bsky.social PLUS I help run a group called the GLTSL (Great Little Trains of Second Life), which is a nod to a real-life group called The Great Little Trains of Wales. A load of narrow gauge railways cooperating together. You can also find landmark boards dotted up and down the railways involved that share all the landmarks of them. I post group notices there, the group was founded by myself, and Dizzi Sternberg, Nimoui Chenier (Nimoui) and J4ne Zane. From there, it expanded into the group it is now, with multiple narrow gauge railways and owners. Thank you, Zen, for all the care, detail, and heart you’ve put into the railway, and for sharing that experience with the Second Life community. And, happy 11 Years Of The Zany Zen Railway! 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.
Linden Lab Update: Product Operations & Customer Success Reorganization
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/linden-lab-update-product-operations-customer-success-reorganization-r11280/
Linden Lab today announced it is reorganizing its Product Operations and Customer Success divisions. As part of that reorganization, Senior VP Product Operations, Customer Success, & Trust & Safety Eric Nix will be departing the company. Eric (known to the Second Life community as Patch Linden) has been a valued member of the Linden Lab team for almost 20 years, playing an important role in the ongoing evolution and growth of Second Life. “Eric has made meaningful contributions to Second Life over the course of his tenure,” said Brad Oberwager, CEO and Executive Chairman of Linden Lab. “We thank him for his dedication, leadership, and the impact he’s had on both our product and our community, and we wish him the very best in his next chapter.” The departure comes as Linden Lab remains focused on delivering new and innovative experiences in partnership with the Second Life community while advancing its long-term product vision. The company continues to invest in new growth initiatives and product innovations across its platform.
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/linden-lab-update-product-operations-customer-success-reorganization-r11280/
Linden Lab today announced it is reorganizing its Product Operations and Customer Success divisions. As part of that reorganization, Senior VP Product Operations, Customer Success, & Trust & Safety Eric Nix will be departing the company. Eric (known to the Second Life community as Patch Linden) has been a valued member of the Linden Lab team for almost 20 years, playing an important role in the ongoing evolution and growth of Second Life. “Eric has made meaningful contributions to Second Life over the course of his tenure,” said Brad Oberwager, CEO and Executive Chairman of Linden Lab. “We thank him for his dedication, leadership, and the impact he’s had on both our product and our community, and we wish him the very best in his next chapter.” The departure comes as Linden Lab remains focused on delivering new and innovative experiences in partnership with the Second Life community while advancing its long-term product vision. The company continues to invest in new growth initiatives and product innovations across its platform.
Discover More in Second Life: Announcing Our Partnership with Essential Inventory
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/discover-more-in-second-life-announcing-our-partnership-with-essential-inventory-r11281/
We’re excited to announce a brand-new official partnership between Second Life and Essential Inventory - designed to bring you more discovery, more rewards, and more ways to experience everything the grid has to offer. This collaboration is all about helping you find what’s new, what’s trending, and what you won’t want to miss - while delivering even more value to our Plus, Premium, and Premium Plus members. More Access. More Rewards. More to Discover. Essential Inventory Premium Gifts program Starting this month, Second Life paid members across all tiers will enjoy a new set of exclusive benefits through Essential Inventory, including: Five curated gifts every month across a variety of categories Early access to some of Second Life’s most popular shopping events, including ACCESS, Cyber Fair, and ALPHA The first Essential Inventory Premium Gifts edition will debut at ACCESS on May 12 at noon SLT, with early access beginning May 10 at the dedicated Essential Inventory Premium Gifts region. This means more ways to discover incredible creators, unlock exclusive items, and explore some of the most popular shopping events ahead of everyone else. Introducing “What’s HOT in Second Life” As part of this partnership, Essential Inventory is launching a brand-new weekly discovery newsletter: “What’s HOT in Second Life” Publishing every Tuesday at 10:00 AM SLT, this curated guide will highlight the most exciting and relevant content across the entire Second Life ecosystem - all in one place. The first issue is out now and can be viewed on the Essential Inventory website. Each edition will feature: What’s Trending Don’t Miss This Premium Perks This Week Top Events Featured Creators Communities & Social Spots Roleplay Experiences Sales & Deals Influencer Spotlights New Releases Freebies & Gifts Unique Places to Explore This marks a new era of discovery in Second Life - making it easier than ever to find high-quality content, connect with communities, and engage with the experiences that matter most. Built with Creators, for the Community This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to working closely with the creator community to unlock new opportunities that promote and amplify their work. Essential Inventory began as a community-driven discovery platform - and through our Creator Partnership Program, creators and entrepreneurs can bring forward ideas just like this one to collaborate directly with us. This is a great example of how creator-led innovation can evolve into something that benefits the entire Second Life community. Why This Matters At its core, this partnership delivers two powerful benefits: Exclusive early access to major events, helping you shop and explore before regions fill up Monthly curated gifts, adding even more meaningful value to your membership Combined with a new “What’s HOT in Second Life” newsletter, you’ll spend less time searching - and more time experiencing the very best of the virtual world. Upgrade to Unlock It All If you’re not yet a Plus, Premium, or Premium Plus member, now is the perfect time to join. Visit secondlife.com/premium to learn more and start enjoying these new benefits today. We can’t wait to see what you discover.
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/discover-more-in-second-life-announcing-our-partnership-with-essential-inventory-r11281/
We’re excited to announce a brand-new official partnership between Second Life and Essential Inventory - designed to bring you more discovery, more rewards, and more ways to experience everything the grid has to offer. This collaboration is all about helping you find what’s new, what’s trending, and what you won’t want to miss - while delivering even more value to our Plus, Premium, and Premium Plus members. More Access. More Rewards. More to Discover. Essential Inventory Premium Gifts program Starting this month, Second Life paid members across all tiers will enjoy a new set of exclusive benefits through Essential Inventory, including: Five curated gifts every month across a variety of categories Early access to some of Second Life’s most popular shopping events, including ACCESS, Cyber Fair, and ALPHA The first Essential Inventory Premium Gifts edition will debut at ACCESS on May 12 at noon SLT, with early access beginning May 10 at the dedicated Essential Inventory Premium Gifts region. This means more ways to discover incredible creators, unlock exclusive items, and explore some of the most popular shopping events ahead of everyone else. Introducing “What’s HOT in Second Life” As part of this partnership, Essential Inventory is launching a brand-new weekly discovery newsletter: “What’s HOT in Second Life” Publishing every Tuesday at 10:00 AM SLT, this curated guide will highlight the most exciting and relevant content across the entire Second Life ecosystem - all in one place. The first issue is out now and can be viewed on the Essential Inventory website. Each edition will feature: What’s Trending Don’t Miss This Premium Perks This Week Top Events Featured Creators Communities & Social Spots Roleplay Experiences Sales & Deals Influencer Spotlights New Releases Freebies & Gifts Unique Places to Explore This marks a new era of discovery in Second Life - making it easier than ever to find high-quality content, connect with communities, and engage with the experiences that matter most. Built with Creators, for the Community This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to working closely with the creator community to unlock new opportunities that promote and amplify their work. Essential Inventory began as a community-driven discovery platform - and through our Creator Partnership Program, creators and entrepreneurs can bring forward ideas just like this one to collaborate directly with us. This is a great example of how creator-led innovation can evolve into something that benefits the entire Second Life community. Why This Matters At its core, this partnership delivers two powerful benefits: Exclusive early access to major events, helping you shop and explore before regions fill up Monthly curated gifts, adding even more meaningful value to your membership Combined with a new “What’s HOT in Second Life” newsletter, you’ll spend less time searching - and more time experiencing the very best of the virtual world. Upgrade to Unlock It All If you’re not yet a Plus, Premium, or Premium Plus member, now is the perfect time to join. Visit secondlife.com/premium to learn more and start enjoying these new benefits today. We can’t wait to see what you discover.
Explore Featured Events Across Second Life This May
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/explore-featured-events-across-second-life-this-may-r11282/
Looking for something to do in Second Life? The Featured Events category includes a free grid-wide mystery hunt, major shopping events, live entertainment, art exhibits, awareness campaigns, fundraising endeavours, community celebrations, and more! There’s plenty to explore this month across the virtual world. Don't forget to check our Recently Added category to see all the latest additions to the Second Life Destination Guide! Paid members can also enjoy early access to the ACCESS event starting May 10th through our new partnership with Essential Inventory, along with curated monthly gifts and more exclusive perks. Speaking of Featured Events, SL23B is only weeks away! We’re still looking for creators, volunteers, performers, and exhibitors to help make this year’s birthday celebration unforgettable. Applications close soon, so apply today!
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/explore-featured-events-across-second-life-this-may-r11282/
Looking for something to do in Second Life? The Featured Events category includes a free grid-wide mystery hunt, major shopping events, live entertainment, art exhibits, awareness campaigns, fundraising endeavours, community celebrations, and more! There’s plenty to explore this month across the virtual world. Don't forget to check our Recently Added category to see all the latest additions to the Second Life Destination Guide! Paid members can also enjoy early access to the ACCESS event starting May 10th through our new partnership with Essential Inventory, along with curated monthly gifts and more exclusive perks. Speaking of Featured Events, SL23B is only weeks away! We’re still looking for creators, volunteers, performers, and exhibitors to help make this year’s birthday celebration unforgettable. Applications close soon, so apply today!
More Gifts than Ever for Paid Members: Announcing Our Partnership with Aradia Dielli and The Collab Circle
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/more-gifts-than-ever-for-paid-members-announcing-our-partnership-with-aradia-dielli-and-the-collab-circle-r11283/
We’re excited to introduce a new official partnership between Second Life and Aradia Dielli, a long-standing creative force and passionate member of the community. Through this partnership comes The Collab Circle, a new creator-driven initiative designed to bring even more exclusive gifts and value to our paid membership community. This collaboration celebrates the creativity and innovation of some of Second Life’s most talented creators while delivering 12 or more new virtual gifts monthly for our paid members. This is in addition to recurring gifts created in-house by our own SL Studios team and other partnerships, resulting in the largest monthly collections of member-exclusive gifts ever! Beginning this month, The Collab Circle will debut a new curated monthly showcase featuring some of Second Life’s top designers, all coming together around a shared creative theme inside a dedicated Collab Circle region. This month’s inaugural event opens today (May 12) in partnership with Essential Inventory by ACCESS. Paid members can now claim their exclusive gifts inworld – each loosely evokes the feeling of “moonlight rain” – soft, dreamy, atmospheric and taking inspiration from a Korean-inspired aesthetic rooted in folklore and modern stylization. This month’s circle is a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and themed storytelling, featuring an extraordinary collection of exclusive gifts and special showcase releases. Discover exclusive gifts from DOUX, AVIGLAM, BeSpoke, GABRIEL, Genus Project, leLAPEAU, OMY, PARE, SEmotion, Sante, VELOUR, ERFE DESIGN, REBORN, SIGNATURE, and AMOUR. We are also delighted to welcome our special guest creators within the circle, OPULEIN, ADDON+, and RAWR, whose stunning themed showcase pieces add even more magic to this month’s experience. To discover and support the incredible creators who worked so passionately to bring this launch to life, please visit the current round page at https://collabcirclesl.com/current-round where you’ll find their store landmarks (SLURLs) and more information about each participant. You can see a sneak peek of this month's gifts in Essential Inventory's latest "What's HOT in Second Life" newsletter and in the video below. Check out this special event launch video featuring some of this month’s gifts from The Collab Circle! A Special Preview for Plus Members As part of our ongoing commitment to expanding the value of Second Life memberships, all paid membership tiers - Plus, Premium, and Premium Plus – will be eligible to claim this month’s Collab Circle gifts. Beginning in June, access to future Collab Circle gift collections will become an exclusive benefit for Premium and Premium Plus members. However, we wanted Plus members to experience a preview of the kinds of elevated rewards and exclusive creator collaborations that are becoming possible through our higher membership tiers – and this is only the beginning. Built with Creators, for the Community The Collab Circle exists to celebrate and spotlight our incredible creative community, helping residents discover some of the most talented designers and brands across the grid. If you are interested in joining future rounds, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out to The Collab Circle team at apply@collabcirclesl.com for more information. This latest community partnership reflects our broader commitment to the Creator Partnership Program and our goal of working more directly with the community to develop new programs, experiences, and opportunities that benefit and showcase the entire Second Life ecosystem. Upgrade to Unlock More If you’re not yet a Premium or Premium Plus member, now is the perfect time to upgrade and unlock access
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/more-gifts-than-ever-for-paid-members-announcing-our-partnership-with-aradia-dielli-and-the-collab-circle-r11283/
We’re excited to introduce a new official partnership between Second Life and Aradia Dielli, a long-standing creative force and passionate member of the community. Through this partnership comes The Collab Circle, a new creator-driven initiative designed to bring even more exclusive gifts and value to our paid membership community. This collaboration celebrates the creativity and innovation of some of Second Life’s most talented creators while delivering 12 or more new virtual gifts monthly for our paid members. This is in addition to recurring gifts created in-house by our own SL Studios team and other partnerships, resulting in the largest monthly collections of member-exclusive gifts ever! Beginning this month, The Collab Circle will debut a new curated monthly showcase featuring some of Second Life’s top designers, all coming together around a shared creative theme inside a dedicated Collab Circle region. This month’s inaugural event opens today (May 12) in partnership with Essential Inventory by ACCESS. Paid members can now claim their exclusive gifts inworld – each loosely evokes the feeling of “moonlight rain” – soft, dreamy, atmospheric and taking inspiration from a Korean-inspired aesthetic rooted in folklore and modern stylization. This month’s circle is a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and themed storytelling, featuring an extraordinary collection of exclusive gifts and special showcase releases. Discover exclusive gifts from DOUX, AVIGLAM, BeSpoke, GABRIEL, Genus Project, leLAPEAU, OMY, PARE, SEmotion, Sante, VELOUR, ERFE DESIGN, REBORN, SIGNATURE, and AMOUR. We are also delighted to welcome our special guest creators within the circle, OPULEIN, ADDON+, and RAWR, whose stunning themed showcase pieces add even more magic to this month’s experience. To discover and support the incredible creators who worked so passionately to bring this launch to life, please visit the current round page at https://collabcirclesl.com/current-round where you’ll find their store landmarks (SLURLs) and more information about each participant. You can see a sneak peek of this month's gifts in Essential Inventory's latest "What's HOT in Second Life" newsletter and in the video below. Check out this special event launch video featuring some of this month’s gifts from The Collab Circle! A Special Preview for Plus Members As part of our ongoing commitment to expanding the value of Second Life memberships, all paid membership tiers - Plus, Premium, and Premium Plus – will be eligible to claim this month’s Collab Circle gifts. Beginning in June, access to future Collab Circle gift collections will become an exclusive benefit for Premium and Premium Plus members. However, we wanted Plus members to experience a preview of the kinds of elevated rewards and exclusive creator collaborations that are becoming possible through our higher membership tiers – and this is only the beginning. Built with Creators, for the Community The Collab Circle exists to celebrate and spotlight our incredible creative community, helping residents discover some of the most talented designers and brands across the grid. If you are interested in joining future rounds, we would love to hear from you. Please reach out to The Collab Circle team at apply@collabcirclesl.com for more information. This latest community partnership reflects our broader commitment to the Creator Partnership Program and our goal of working more directly with the community to develop new programs, experiences, and opportunities that benefit and showcase the entire Second Life ecosystem. Upgrade to Unlock More If you’re not yet a Premium or Premium Plus member, now is the perfect time to upgrade and unlock access
to future Collab Circle collections and an expanding lineup of exclusive membership benefits. Visit secondlife.com/premium to learn more and start enjoying everything your membership has to offer.
Second Life Spotlight - Sam Rougefeu
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/second-life-spotlight-sam-rougefeu-r11284/
Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Sam Rougefeu, a longtime explorer and blogger who has spent nearly two decades documenting the creativity and ever-changing destinations across Second Life through his destination blog and community platforms. How long have you been in Second Life, and how did you first hear about it? This is my twentieth year in Second Life. I first read about it in a magazine, at a time when I was playing The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, a game built around exploration. The idea that there might be a world where exploration was endless, shaped by real people rather than developers, immediately appealed to me. Cassie Eldemar's miniature exhibition You’ve spent years exploring and documenting destinations across the grid. What first inspired you to start blogging about Second Life? I have been exploring Second Life almost from my first day. I was fascinated by the sheer variety of places and the creativity behind them. Like many people, I began by reading travel blogs. There were so many talented writers, people like Chestnut Rau, Yordie Sands, and Honour McMillan. The person who inspired me most was Dahlia Jayaram, who turned exploration into a true adventure, carefully planning journeys and even creating books from her travels. Over time, I became aware of a recurring question: how do I find places to visit? In 2013, a friend and I created a Scoop.it page where we gathered links to as many travel blogs as we could find. Alongside that, we set up Facebook and Flickr groups to share and promote destinations. It grew far beyond what we expected, reaching hundreds of visits a day and eventually over half a million views. It also helped give visibility to lesser-known bloggers, including those writing in Japanese and German. But nothing remains unchanged. Platform changes and the gradual disappearance of blogs meant that many of those places and stories were at risk of being lost. Some blogs vanished entirely, and even carefully created works, like Dahlia’s books, became harder to find. A close friend of mine, Annie Brightstar, recognised this too and began blogging herself. As her health declined, I started helping her by writing posts, first under her name, then as a guest. With her encouragement, I eventually began my own blog. In many ways, my blogging grew out of a wish to preserve and continue something that felt important. Jomo Your posts often focus on atmosphere, small details, and the feeling of a place. When you visit a destination, what are you looking for before deciding it’s worth writing about? I am drawn to places that align with my interests, wildlife, humour, or fantasy, but more than that, I look for intention. If a place feels visually engaging, that helps, as my blog relies heavily on photography. But what matters most is whether the creator is trying to say something, whether they are building a mood, telling a story, or inviting visitors to feel something. I also appreciate when designers think beyond the visual. Subtle ambient sounds, birdsong, flowing water, or even the changing sound of footsteps across different surfaces can make a place feel truly alive and immersive. Thoughtful use of environmental settings can transform a scene as well, shaping light, shadow, and atmosphere in ways that deepen the experience. I try to understand all of this and reflect it. In a sense, I am recording the build as I see it, capturing a moment that may not last. Luane’s World Spring 2026 - Seven Places to Visit in Second Life for Cherry Blossom Second Life is constantly changing, with destinations appearing and disappearing all the time. How do you keep up with new places to explore, and how do you decide what to feature next? There are many small streams of discovery that come together. The Second Life Destination Guide has improved greatly over the years and is
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/second-life-spotlight-sam-rougefeu-r11284/
Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Sam Rougefeu, a longtime explorer and blogger who has spent nearly two decades documenting the creativity and ever-changing destinations across Second Life through his destination blog and community platforms. How long have you been in Second Life, and how did you first hear about it? This is my twentieth year in Second Life. I first read about it in a magazine, at a time when I was playing The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, a game built around exploration. The idea that there might be a world where exploration was endless, shaped by real people rather than developers, immediately appealed to me. Cassie Eldemar's miniature exhibition You’ve spent years exploring and documenting destinations across the grid. What first inspired you to start blogging about Second Life? I have been exploring Second Life almost from my first day. I was fascinated by the sheer variety of places and the creativity behind them. Like many people, I began by reading travel blogs. There were so many talented writers, people like Chestnut Rau, Yordie Sands, and Honour McMillan. The person who inspired me most was Dahlia Jayaram, who turned exploration into a true adventure, carefully planning journeys and even creating books from her travels. Over time, I became aware of a recurring question: how do I find places to visit? In 2013, a friend and I created a Scoop.it page where we gathered links to as many travel blogs as we could find. Alongside that, we set up Facebook and Flickr groups to share and promote destinations. It grew far beyond what we expected, reaching hundreds of visits a day and eventually over half a million views. It also helped give visibility to lesser-known bloggers, including those writing in Japanese and German. But nothing remains unchanged. Platform changes and the gradual disappearance of blogs meant that many of those places and stories were at risk of being lost. Some blogs vanished entirely, and even carefully created works, like Dahlia’s books, became harder to find. A close friend of mine, Annie Brightstar, recognised this too and began blogging herself. As her health declined, I started helping her by writing posts, first under her name, then as a guest. With her encouragement, I eventually began my own blog. In many ways, my blogging grew out of a wish to preserve and continue something that felt important. Jomo Your posts often focus on atmosphere, small details, and the feeling of a place. When you visit a destination, what are you looking for before deciding it’s worth writing about? I am drawn to places that align with my interests, wildlife, humour, or fantasy, but more than that, I look for intention. If a place feels visually engaging, that helps, as my blog relies heavily on photography. But what matters most is whether the creator is trying to say something, whether they are building a mood, telling a story, or inviting visitors to feel something. I also appreciate when designers think beyond the visual. Subtle ambient sounds, birdsong, flowing water, or even the changing sound of footsteps across different surfaces can make a place feel truly alive and immersive. Thoughtful use of environmental settings can transform a scene as well, shaping light, shadow, and atmosphere in ways that deepen the experience. I try to understand all of this and reflect it. In a sense, I am recording the build as I see it, capturing a moment that may not last. Luane’s World Spring 2026 - Seven Places to Visit in Second Life for Cherry Blossom Second Life is constantly changing, with destinations appearing and disappearing all the time. How do you keep up with new places to explore, and how do you decide what to feature next? There are many small streams of discovery that come together. The Second Life Destination Guide has improved greatly over the years and is
always worth checking. Social platforms are important too; there is a constant flow of recommendations on X, particularly from Japanese residents, and Flickr remains a valuable source of inspiration. I also encourage residents to share their work in our Flickr group, and I follow other bloggers, although there are fewer now than there once were. Even inworld, simply reading profiles often leads to new places. It is a mixture of curiosity, community, and chance. Lumen Tide – The Outer Garden Annex You also run and contribute to community spaces like the Second Life Destinations groups on Facebook and Flickr. What role do those communities play in discovering and sharing new locations? The communities play a central role. They are not just places to share links, but places where discovery happens collectively. In the Facebook group, people post locations they have enjoyed, with photographs and a personal note. It creates a steady flow of new places, some well known, others that might otherwise never be found. With over 26,000 members, it has become a lively and supportive space where people help each other explore. The Flickr group adds another dimension. It allows people to browse visually and see where others have been, which often leads to new ideas for exploration. For me, these communities are not just sources of locations; they are part of a shared effort to keep Second Life’s creative work visible. They help ensure that places are seen, visited, and remembered. I should like to add a tribute here to the team of moderator volunteers; without them, the Facebook and Flickr groups could not continue to exist. Cha Redwoods Over the years, you’ve explored a huge number of destinations. Are there a few that have stayed with you as personal favorites, and what made them stand out? That is a difficult question, because there are so many. I tend to remember places that feel original, thoughtfully designed, and rich in detail. Petrovsky Flux is one that stayed with me, but there are many others that have left a lasting impression. Sometimes it is the sense of atmosphere, sometimes an unexpected idea, and sometimes a place that invites you to experience it in a completely new way. For those who never saw it, here is a note from the creator that captures it perfectly — “a Petrovsky flux' is a cluster of devices that grow, assembling themselves from modular units, only to blow apart and rebuild themselves. Each time they rebuild differently, so the overall flux is, as the name implies, constantly changing. Petrosky Flux ever changing - 2012 After two decades in Second Life, what keeps you exploring and logging in to discover something new? The desire to explore has never really faded. New tools like EEP have expanded what is possible with atmosphere and photography, and it is fascinating to see how creators continue to experiment and innovate with Mesh and PBR. There is always something new to discover. Recent experiences have still managed to surprise me, from immersive artistic builds like Semence that play with light and particles, to spaces where you feel as though you have stepped inside a painting, such as at the Shui Mo Gallery. Those moments of discovery are what keep me returning. Riding through Tableau Tell us about some of the other Residents in SL who inspire you and whose work you admire. Among those who are no longer active, Dahlia Jayaram and Maddy Gynoid remain strong influences. Today, there are fewer dedicated exploration bloggers, but people like Susann Decuir, kero.nishi, and Inara Pey continue to inspire with their work. The Wind River Bank Robbery Where can people see your work? Please share links to your sites and social media accounts. My work is spread across several platforms, but what matters most to me is not any single blog post; it is the shared resource we have built for explorers. The Scoop.it page still exists as a searchable archive of past destinations. I share images on Flickr and Primfeed,
and I post updates on X. But the heart of it is our Facebook group, Second Life Destinations. It has grown into a large and active community of over 26,000 members, where people share places, discoveries, and inspiration. We especially welcome new bloggers and photographers, and it is rewarding to see others contribute and grow. We also have a Flickr group, which offers a wonderful way to browse and discover where people are currently exploring. My personal links: X: https://x.com/SRougefeu Tumblr: https://www.tumblr.com/samrougefeu Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/people/samrougefeu Blog - Exploring Second Life: https://sldestinations.com Second Life Destination group links: Second Life Destinations Flickr Group: https://www.flickr.com/groups/sldestinations Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/secondlifedestinations Scoop-it: https://www.scoop.it/topic/second-life-destinations Bird watching - Kawayan at Tubig Thank you, Sam, for your dedication to exploring, documenting, and sharing the many destinations that make Second Life such a creative and inspiring place for Residents everywhere. 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.
Highlights from the Second Life Destination Guide - May 14, 2026
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/highlights-from-the-second-life-destination-guide-may-14-2026-r11285/
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Second Life is home to communities and destinations that offer support, connection, and space to reset. You'll find peaceful meditation gardens, mindfulness centers, peer support groups, veteran communities, wellness retreats, and educational health resources designed to encourage human connection, care, and healing. 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!
https://community.secondlife.com/news/featured-news/highlights-from-the-second-life-destination-guide-may-14-2026-r11285/
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Second Life is home to communities and destinations that offer support, connection, and space to reset. You'll find peaceful meditation gardens, mindfulness centers, peer support groups, veteran communities, wellness retreats, and educational health resources designed to encourage human connection, care, and healing. 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!