Avatar design: a fine art

IBM and Second Life creator Linden Lab are jointly developing a universal avatar that can "travel" between virtual worlds.

The final goal is to create a set of user-friendly tools compatible with all virtual spaces, according to BBC News.

Currently, users must design a unique avatar and accompanying accessories for each virtual world they want to join.

The success of IBm and Linden Lab means one avatar could replicate across all, potentially bringing a more personal experience to the virtual universe.

The avatar's appearance may change when jumping from world to world, but basic characteristics and personal data would remain the same.

The announcement was made at the second annual Virtual World Conference in San Jose, which signals the popularity of online worlds: In just a year, virtual worlds represented at the conference went from nine to 30.

$1 billion has been poured into them in the past year alone.