Life Expectancy of Most Virtual Spaces? 18 Months

MMO players should take note of a study completed by the Gartner Group, a research and advisory team. The study indicated that 90% of corporate spaces developed will last a scant eighteen months. While more indicative of virtual office space, the implications are there for MMOs as the same sort of 'fatigue' manifests itself in online gaming spaces as well.

Nine out of ten business forays into virtual worlds fail within 18 months but their impact on organisations could be as big as that of the internet, according to Gartner, Inc. Analysts said that focusing on the technology rather than understanding user requirements is one of the key reasons for failure.

Further reasons for the high failure rate include starting projects for the 'cool' factor or because competitors are doing it. Many were closed down or abandoned by a lack of clear objectives and a limited understanding of the demographics, attitudes and expectations of virtual-world communities. "An effective project starts by focusing on the audience's needs and ultimately delivering the technology to support the community of people," Mr Prentice added.

There is more speculation about the general lack of longevity so check it out.

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This article dont talk about MMOs, talk abutu virtual spaces or "worlds" for corporations, virtual offices, etc.

Right you are, Ingrod. Sorry for the ambiguity in my language and I have edited the article to reflect a clearer perspective about the article and its implications for MMOs.