virtual-worlds

A group of gamers is looking for real money from the creator of the virtual world Second Life, charging fraud and false advertising because of changes in how land is held in the game. In Second Life -- and in online role playing games like World of Warcraft -- players create their own characters...

During breaks from caring for her 1-year-old son, Samantha Whipple plays virtual world games on her cellphone. She buys a few outfits for her avatar, spending maybe $30 a month on shoes, jewelry and other virtual merchandise that she'll never hold in her hand. "I'm a stay-at-home mom, so I...