Virtual CSI:NY

1: Media being reviewed

virtual CSI:NY in Second Life

2: How I encountered the media

Partly through exploration of Second Life and partly through advertisements during the CSI:NY episode “Down the Rabbit Hole”

3: My general impression of the site

This is an interactive 3D virtual world version of CSI:NY.  Any Second Life user can join in and become a CSI.  There are clues and cases to solve.  I’m just starting out but it seems like it could be great fun.  It’s almost the VR games that people have fantasized about forever.

4: Who is communicating, and why?

This is complicated.  CBS is communicating their CSI brand and Linden Research, Inc. is communicating their Second Life brand.  This collaborative work helps to increase usership of Second Life and viewership of CSI:NY.

5: What type of text (or medium) is it?

This is a Web 2.0 platform.  It is a 3D animated environment.  A virtual world.  The CSI:NY portion of Second Life is an interactive 3D game.

6: How is it produced?

It is produced using Web 2.0 techniques and lots of computer animation.

7: How do we know what it means?

The CSI virtual world isn’t interested in deceiving the viewer about its intent.  The world is meant as an interactive entertainment experience.

8: Who receives it and what sense do they make of it?

Fans of CSI:NY and Second Life receive this media.  They interact with other users and play the game deriving frustration or entertainment according to their own perceptions.

9: How does it present its subject?

The site’s subject is presented through clues placed throughout the virtual world.  There is an introduction that explains the basics to the user and then they are set free to explore as desired.  They can play or not according to their whim.

10: Links/images

http://slurl.com/secondlife/CSINY%20Orientation%20East1/136/87/24

 

My Second Life avatar: