Flight: Immersion refers to “the experience of entering into the simulation of a 3-D environment”. Second Life is technically a 3-D environment in 2-D

Harbin ethnography:


... a unique trail of personal association for the avatar builder who spoke with actual Ishvara.

Immersion refers to “the experience of entering into the simulation of a three-dimensional environment” (Packer and Jordan 2001: xxxi). Second Life is technically a three-dimensional environment in a two-dimension environment, since avatars move through three-dimensional space in a xyz grid, while endusers control their avatar, and engage this immersive experience, on a two-dimensional screen. 'Virtual reality' three-dimensional environments often can refer to digital simulations experienced with 'gloves,' 'hats,' and other prostheses that let individuals enter into immersive experiences in other ways besides visually and auditorially; such immersive experiences make possible tactile, kinesthetic and even olfactory experiences, for example. But both Second Life and Open Simulator are three-dimensionally immersive from an avatar's perspective, as well as immersive in three-dimensions, on a two-dimensional screen, from an end-user's perspective. Avatar immersion in Second Life includes the ability to fly, as well as the ability to build three-dimensional objects in this three-dimensional space. The open-ended quality of these immersive experiences can be inspiring, surprising and exciting for end users.

(Actual Harbin Hot Springs pools are also immersive ...









(http://scott-macleod.blogspot.com/2010/05/flight-immersion-refers-to-experience.html - May 30, 2010)