Linden Lab snaps up Second Life stores

Linden Lab, the creator of Second Life, has announced its acquisition of two web-based marketplaces for virtual goods, Xstreet SL and OnRez.

The two websites, which sold in-game items to Second Life users, are to be consolidated in order to make it easier for Second Life shoppers to find virtual goods. According to Linden Lab, the global market for virtual goods is now USD 1.5 billion, of which Second Life accounts for USD 360 million.

"Linden Lab is expanding its footprint in the virtual world industry through four major initiatives – localising the Second Life experience in key markets around the world, simplifying the 'first hour experience' to broaden consumer adoption, enhancing the platform for enterprise users and building our virtual goods marketplace," said Mark Kingdon, CEO of Linden Lab.

"Content creators and merchants are pillars of the strong Second Life economy. With these e-commerce acquisitions, we will now be able to offer content creators and merchants an opportunity to substantially improve their businesses, while enhancing the Second Life experience for all of our Residents."

Jay Geeseman, founder of Xstreet SL, added: "The vibrant in-world economy is part of what makes Second Life such a compelling experience for Residents."

"Just as e-commerce can enhance the shopping experience for real life goods, so it can for virtual goods. With the Xstreet SL marketplace integrated more closely with Second Life, Residents will be able to find goods more easily and shop more conveniently, while merchants will have broader channels to sell their creations."