08 Mar 07 7 reasons why SL is “not” popular in Japan
Our Japan spy mousan sent us summary of another article that appeared on a Japanese online site about Second Life in Japan.
Preetam kun
Here’s an article about SL.
“7 reasons why SL is “not” popular in Japan”
http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20070308-00000032-zdn_n-sci#*Summary*
Even though many other major companies and organizations set up their
office or start the business in SL, it’s, actually, not such a big
rage as media sprash.The number of registered user is now app. 4millions all over the
world, while mixi user is 8millions even though it’s Japanese local
service.Here’s some reason why why SL is “not” popular.
1. Setting up is troublesome
You have to install the client software to start SL and have to update
the software very often, while most of today’s Web2.0 services can be
started with just a browser.Japanese prefer cuter design (like “moe”) and they would not mind the
trouble if the avatars look enough attractive.
However, SL avatars don’t look so attractive for Japanese users as it
looks too American.2. Need higher spec computer to play
In Japan, laptop computers are more popular. So it’s hard to upgrade
video cards etc.3. Not easy to control
There’re so many functions and movements, but it’s not intuitive to use.4. Don’t know what to do
5. Need money to play
6. Full of advertisements
Blog, SNS or many of today’s popular services are “user generated
services”, and for users in “UGC” generation are fed up with such
companies’ commercial intention.
7. Popular spots are all “sex” or “gambling”
…She writes many more things on both positive and negative aspects on SL.
This article is quite good as the writer knows well about SL.
While I read another article yesterday which was on how to make money
in SL and the solution was sitting on camping chairs…mousan
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Pretty interesting how different cultures are attracted to particular services. On the flipside, Mixi could possibly work in the States since there’s less of an investment needed than Second Life.
[...] Seven reasons why SL is “not†popular in Japan Preetam’s Japan spy mousan sent him a summary of an article that appeared on a Japanese site about "Second Life in Japan". Worth a look how cultural perceptions affect usability. Keywords: culture, secondlife [...]