NASA has signed developers on to create its first massively multiplayer online video game (MMO), called "Astronaut: Moon, Mars & Beyond." Players would take on astronaut roles such as roboticist, rather than becoming a grenadier or sniper in a more combat-oriented game.

The online universe is brimming with dozens of virtual worlds vying to build sustainable life in the "avatar age."

An outbreak of a deadly disease in a virtual world can offer insights into real life epidemics, scientists suggest.

Second Life, the popular online virtual world, has announced its plans to open-source access to its backend as a way of meeting increasing demand.

Users of online worlds such as Second Life and World of Warcraft transact millions of dollars worth of virtual goods and services every day, and these virtual economies are beginning to draw the attention of real-world authorities.

The author looks at the potential 'worldchanging' implications of three virtual reality technologies: Augmented Reality, Virtual Worlds, and Simulations.

The New York Times reports that well over 100,000 Chinese are working as 'gold farmers' -- playing online role playing games and selling the virtual currency, items, and experience they generate for real world money.

Fed up with what it sees as the corrupting influence of computer games on youth, the Chinese government plans to introduce to the online world a new cast of characters based on old-fashioned Communist
values.

A man has been arrested in Japan on suspicion carrying out a virtual mugging spree by using software "bots" to beat up and rob characters in the online computer game Lineage II. The stolen virtual possessions were then exchanged for real cash.

1UP explores the growing underworld of gaming sweatshops where low-wage workers are paid to collect virtual gold and items in popular online games for resale.