Is IMVU just a game?

IMVU (Instant Virtual Message Universe) is a very realistic virtual platform, where people can go to lose themselves in a different world full of millions of different people from all around the world. Users start by choosing and customizing an avatar, then create a username and password. Once those steps are completed, you proceed to live, and be anyone or anything you’d like to be! You are also given the opportunity to purchase houses, cars, and even start your own clothing line! IMVU is a way to escape real life, allowing you to freely live however you’d like without the worry of being judged.

Knowing what you now know about IMVU, would you consider IMVU to be a game? The answer is undecided by many IMVU users and often causes heated arguments, debates, and a slight uproar. After asking several IMVU users this controversial question, I noticed a lot of valid points that were mentioned for both “yes” and “no” answers. When the question was bestowed upon 77 thousand people, the answers varied greatly. Some say, “It’s definitely a game, but I enjoy it on here because there are some things I just don’t get to buy or do. Also, it’s fun meeting and vibing with people, you would have never known in real life.” Then another user simply said,

“IMVU is not a game at all. There is no objective, no end of level baddies and no way to win it. IMVU is a virtual chat. This isn’t GTA (Grand Theft Auto), you aren’t playing with computerized characters. These are real people, with real feelings.”

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Due to this topic becoming such a serious discussion, the IMVU community has basically been divided into the “IMVU Only” users who feel that IMVU is only a game and that what they do on the game doesn’t determine what they do with their time, in their personal lives. On the other side, there’s, “Non-IMVU Only” users feel that their real lives portray how they live and what they do on IMVU.

Everyone is absolutely entitled to have their own thoughts and opinions about VU, what it was really designed and intended, for and/or what the sole purpose is. Not everyone will agree or see eye to eye but we must respect others and their thoughts on it. Let’s just agree to disagree and enjoy our time on IMVU!

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Disclaimer: the personal views and opinions written in this post are from the writer and do not always express the professional opinion and views of Verve X Magazine.

Writer: Shylaa Copy Editor: Dipsterz

Photos: @havocmodels.vu.sl