I go head to head with a virtual Paxman

Jeremy Paxman and myself (stunningly rendered, left) will make television history by broadcasting part of Newsnight  from within an online multiplayer game called Second Life. Tune in at 2230GMT to see my report on the startling, frightening and inspiring world of MMORPGS - thats massively multiplayer online role playing games, newbie! LOL (etc).

I've been to California to meet the people behind Second Life - and to Romania to meet a bunch of lads who play computer games as a job. Its only possible because people with money to burn in the West will pay them to "upgrade" their characters in RPGs like City of Heroes and World of Warcraft.

The slightly alarming picture above is the face of my avatar, as designed by an in-world business in Second Life - yes people are making real money inside the make believe world. And that's just the start: one of Silicon Valley's biggest investors tells me that games will supplant TV and the movies within 15 years.

Dont miss tonight's programme and, as always, feel free to flame me (within reason).

Comments

[Burke Prefect]

Nice to see something like this being done. It'll definitely be a fun watch for us yanks.

Burke Prefect, Secondlife's Resident Stupendous Badass.

[Sara Van Gorden]

Hey Paul, thanks for the great story on SL and for spending time inworld chatting with residents! SL really has something for everyone - any story done on it would really just be the tip of the iceberg. I encourage all your viewers to come sign up for a free account at www.secondlife.com and check it out for themselves!