Millionaire Avatars - NeverDie & Anshe Chung Join Forces to Launch Virtual Worlds Academy

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jon Jacobs aka NeverDie, entrepreneur and foremost virtual world nightclub impresario of Club NeverDie in the Entropia Universe and Ailin Graef aka Anshe Chung, Second Life millionaire have partnered to form the first Virtual Worlds Academy (www.vwacademy.com).

“As the online community develops we think it’s essential to document its history and its forefathers.”

The Academy is designed to promote the creative community behind the rapidly developing virtual world space by recognizing innovative achievements in virtual artistry, technology, commerce and culture.

“This is an exciting partnership and venture,” said Chung. “Virtual worlds are an exploding industry and becoming more entrenched in the real world. This organization will help legitimize the space and give credit to its pioneers.”

The first initiative of the Academy will be the Virtual World Awards (www.vwawards.com). The awards will be hosted annually to recognize excellence and originality in virtual reality. Awards will be bestowed in a variety of categories to acknowledge exceptional achievements to those who have contributed to the evolution of these online worlds. Industry icons will also be inducted into the Hall of Fame each year based on their efforts and involvement in expanding the scope and success of the interactive entertainment industry.

“The Virtual World Awards are designed to honor the creativity that people bring to this booming universe,” said NeverDie. “As the online community develops we think it’s essential to document its history and its forefathers.”

Formation of this organization evolved out of the growing popularity and crossover between metaverses. NeverDie and Anshe Chung are prominent avatars in two of the most recognizable online worlds, Entropia Universe and Second Life respectively, who exemplify the limitless financial and entrepreneurial opportunities in these expanding spaces.

The Virtual Worlds Academy will accept submissions for awards from May 1, 2007 through November 15, 2007. Eligibility guidelines include creation of original content exclusively for virtual worlds. Projects can be submitted at www.VWAwards.com. Nominations will be announced in February 2008.

About the Virtual World Academy Founders:

NeverDie has turned a gross profit of $150,000 (U.S.) from his nightclub, Club NeverDie, located on an asteroid in the Entropia Universe that he purchased in 2005 for $100,000 (U.S.). More than 3,000 avatars visit Club NeverDie each month. The primary revenue source results from services provided on the asteroid such as hunting and mining.

Anshe Chung has built an online business that involves real estate development, brokerage and servicing virtual world participants and organizations in Second Life. Her business began with an initial investment of $9.95 and now turns millions annually.