Gary Sinise's CSI: NY character will chase a suspect's avatar into the Second Life virtual world.
Gary Sinise's CSI: NY character will chase a suspect's avatar into the Second Life virtual world.
KEY POINTS:
SAN JOSE - "CSI" creator Anthony Zuiker dropped some clues to an upcoming Second Life integration with his CBS series in his address at the Virtual Worlds Conference and Expo.
Zuiker was part of a Hollywood contingent at the event, signalling the mainstream entertainment business'growing investments in the space.
In his keynote speech, he declared that the future of television "will be TV, online, mobile and games."
Zuiker appeared more than willing to be a pioneer in bringing Hollywood to virtual worlds, announcing that a two-part "CSI: NY" - the first instalment airing October 24 and the second February 6 - will have Gary Sinise's character go into Second Life to chase a killer's avatar.
"And here's the great thing," he added. "CBS is willing to commit to two 30-second spots that night to tell 16 million people that we're having a 'CSI: NY' virtual world... that will be up forever."
Zuiker stressed that the "CSI: NY" virtual world in Second Life will be geared for the "CSI" fan rather than the early adopter, with shorter download times and an avatar of Zuiker to walk visitors through the virtual Manhattan.
In addition to casual games for beginners like "Facial Reconstruction," there also will be content for advanced visitors, including the blog game "Murder by Zuiker," where Zuiker will evaluate entries by people trying to solve a crime based on the evidence found in a crime scene in Second Life.
