9 Virtual Worlds For Teenagers To Enjoy With Their Friends

In this age of artificial intelligence and virtual reality, playing games virtually is one of the best ways to connect with your squad. Virtual world games let you create an online avatar that lives in a computer-based reality and participates in challenges with other online avatars. There are several virtual world games for teenagers that cater to different audiences. You can communicate with other players via sounds, gestures, voice commands, text, and graphics. This article looks at different virtual games developed for teens that they can enjoy with their friends. Keep reading to check out the list.

Quick Tip

Virtual worlds for young children are controlled but for teens it is less supervised and allows social interaction and more freedom of expression to wander, explore in avatars and play in the digital landscape.

Best Virtual Worlds For Teenagers

1. Disney Superbia

Superbia by Disney is an online virtual world and social simulation game that involves the fantasy-based city of Superbia. It is populated with several other players and features various Disney-inspired places from shows like Hannah Montana, Wizards of Waverly Place, and Jessie. It is a great platform to experiment with self-expression and let your imagination and energy out to create something unique.

Being citizens of the city, players have the liberty to choose their customized avatars by donning different hairstyles, choosing their eye colors, and designing their outfits. Players can renovate their virtual homes using different decorative pieces and items and visit the virtual homes of their favorite Disney characters.

You can interact with other players, make new friends, navigate through the city, and hang out with others, making it a great place for a new social experience. This is one of the best virtual worlds for teenagers in which players can create desserts for the ice cream parlors from scratch and undergo a fun series of other such cool challenges to earn coins and unlock a variety of decorative items, fashionable outfits, and new furniture. They can also visit new rooms in the society. It is available for both Mac and Windows users.

2. Thrillville

Thrillville, developed by Frontier Developments, is a life simulation, strategy, and virtual world game that involves building and creating a theme park for tourists and other players. There are five theme parks in total, namely Thrillville, Thrillville Timewarp, Thrillville Paradise, Thrillville Adventures, and Treasures of Thrillville. Each theme park is divided into three parts functioning on separate themes, such as Battleville, Winterville, Spaceville, and Aeroville that tie into an overall similar concept.

Your character acts as the manager of these theme parks, which are owned by Uncle Mortimer. Since these parks are extremely popular, there are frequent attempts to take them down by your rivals, especially Vernon Garrison, who operates another chain of theme parks that go by the name Globo-Joy.

Your main goal is to ensure that your guests stay happy by keeping them entertained throughout their visit. There are 34 different mini-missions and games that you can choose from, which include upkeep wherein you operate the staff and keep the park up to date; games, where you have to entertain, play, and win games across the parks; build, wherein you need to build and upgrade the top park attractions and facilities; business, that involves managing ad campaigns and finances for the park; and lastly, guests, wherein you can interact, joke, and play with the park’s guests and even make them your friends.

You also have the option to create death-defying coasters outside of the main game that include hotrod stunt, pedulizer, and escape drop. There is an option to customize all your rides and coasters using different animatronics, flowers, and flaming hoops to make the experience truly your own. This itself makes it popular amongst teenagers. You can buy it online or from a video game store. It can be played as a single-player or a multiplayer game.

3. Social Life

Social Life is an online multiplayer life simulation, massively multiple online game (MMO), and social networking game, available on Facebook. This is one of the best online games for teens that involves a unique virtual world with excellent graphics, social events, happening parties, adventurous mini-games, and regular updates. You can customize and create your online avatar for the game.

The best part is its social networking element that gives you the option to meet other players, make new friends, and participate in fun activities with them. Some of these include building and renovating your virtual home, buying items from the in-game store, decorating your house using new objects, and even inviting your friends into your beautiful abode. Overall, if you are looking to have an all-engaging gaming experience with a new social clan, Social Life is the one to try out today!

4. IMVU

In My Virtual Universe (IMVU) is probably one of the most immersive 3D gaming experiences out there that have become quite popular among teens online, with over 10 million registered users. It is a browser-based, social life, virtual world simulation, and MMO (massively multiplayer online game in which a player interacts with a large number of other players) that allows customized challenges for users based on their age, making it ideal for teens and adults alike. It is a virtual world that you visit with the 3-D avatars you create.

It extends the option of designing your personal avatars in the game, meeting new people, hanging out with others to make new friends, creating new stuff from scratch, and exploring the virtual game world with your cool new squad. This game takes the term “squad goals” to a whole new level.

You can build a virtual life with people you meet on the endless chat rooms like Ethereal Jewel Box, The Furry Forest, Max’s Party Island, Paradise Island, and Wedding Under the Stars, etc. And, hey, if all works out well, you can even explore your romantic side with IMVU’s adult chat rooms and have an experience of a lifetime.

Caution: Though popular, IMVU is not the safest place for children and young teens. There are multiple reasons parents may want their child to steer clear of this app. Much of the user base is older, and the overall design of the game promotes flirtation and sexuality.

Quick Tip

IMVU has more than 30 million items available and can be called as world’s largest catalog of virtual goods

5. Avakin Life

Experience the perks of a happening virtual life with the Avakin Life video game and seek a world full of endless fantasies, social networking, and role-playing. It includes customizing your online character using about 1000 different items like hats, shoes, glasses, outfits, etc., before entering the game world.

This game involves a thousand other online players and operates on Android and iOS. You can interact, chat, go on adventures, and play mini-games with other players. These can involve renovating your apartment with unique items and accessories according to your preference, inviting friends into your crib, role-playing, exploring different locations, and partying on the beach with them.

Not only that, you may even find love and go on dates! There are various occupation options for you to choose from, including engineers, models, doctors, firefighters, and so on, with the option of earning and spending your money as well. Another cherry on the cake is the special Christmas content, which you can unlock after completing a few challenges and collecting a specific amount of coins.

6. SuperSecret

SuperSecret is one of the best online games for teenage girls out there. It helps you build your own virtual social life where you can be as expressive as you want even if you are shy in the real world. It is a fun online MMO and social gaming platform built especially for girls who are 10 to 16 years old. However, others are welcome to play too!

It involves buying new accessories, trying on outfits, and changing your hairstyles using the style bucks you earn. This game is a great way to explore your inner self while enjoying a world full of entertainment. Whether you want to indulge in a dance-off, a fashion show, or a rodeo racing, SuperSecret has everything for you!

7. Habbo

Habbo is a community-based, 3D, MMO virtual simulation game designed for teens and adults alike. It has remained one of the most exciting virtual worlds for teenagers even after being around for over 15 years. It has players worldwide and is known to be the largest virtual social hangout available online.

Users are supposed to build a virtual avatar for getting into the game zone where they can indulge in role-playing, chat with other players, design hotel rooms, take part in different quests, play games, solve puzzles, and even take care of each other’s pets. You can also earn your own money and spend it on gadgets, updates, and various decorative items for decorating the room.

8. WoozWorld

If you are into fashion and want a world where you can customize your avatars using different looks, along with experimenting with a community-based game, WoozWorld is the game for you. It is an online virtual world where one can enjoy role-playing, social simulation, and massively multiplayer online games designed for tweens and teens.

With an increasing player base, WoozWorld allows you to indulge in different life-like activities – like building your own house from scratch, hosting parties, starting your own business using in-game currency, selling clothes, and trading your items by chatting with other players around.

That was our list of the best online virtual world games. Each of these games come with their own set of quirks and qualities, be it with a team or even solo. They are sure to help you and your friends kill time in a fun, engaging, and entertaining way.

9. Twinity

Trinity is a virtual 3D game that allows its players to create various avatars and explore real-life cities through a virtual environment. The platform hosts a range of activities and events in the virtual world, giving gamers across the world a platform to engage with each other. It is especially great for those who love adventure and exploration to connect with like-minded individuals.

Players can create virtual apartments and purchase virtual goods, such as clothing and home decor items. It also allows players to earn badges in various categories, such as lifestyle, travel, etc. This ever-evolving platform also inculcates some user-generated content and offers an immersive gaming experience. The best part about this gaming platform is it offers a highly personalized experience for each player. In the next section, learn about all the benefits of virtual world games for teens.

Benefits Of Virtual World Games For Teens

Virtual world games can offer numerous benefits for teens. They provide an interactive environment that builds valuable skills and experiences. Some key benefits include:

1. Social Interaction

Virtual games allow teens to connect with friends or meet new people globally. This improves their communication and teamwork skills as they participate in multiplayer activities.

2. Creative Expression

Many virtual world games offer customization options. They allow teens to build, design, and create unique avatars, worlds, or scenarios. This can enhance creativity and problem-solving abilities.

3. Learning Opportunities

Some virtual games incorporate educational content, teaching real-world skills like strategic thinking, decision-making, and even coding.

4. Stress Relief

Engaging in a fun and immersive virtual environment can help teens unwind and de-stress. They can provide an escape from the pressures of school and daily life.

5. Improved Cognitive Skills

Virtual games often require multitasking, quick thinking, and hand-eye coordination, which can help improve cognitive functions like memory, attention, and spatial awareness.

But is it all rainbows? Let’s look at the safety aspect of these virtual worlds in the section below.

Safety Aspects Of Virtual Worlds For Teenagers

The safety of teenagers in virtual worlds is very important as these online spaces can come with potential risks. The key safety aspects include the following.

1. Parental Controls

Many virtual platforms allow parents to set restrictions on content and monitor activity. This helps ensure that teens are engaging in age-appropriate interactions.

2. Privacy Settings

Teens should use privacy settings to control who can view their profiles, send messages, or join their virtual spaces. Limiting interaction to friends they know in real life can minimize risks.

3. Safe Communication

Encouraging the use of platforms with moderated chat rooms and content filters can help protect teens from inappropriate content or harmful behavior. Reporting tools should also be easily accessible.

4. Digital Etiquette

Teaching teens about digital etiquette, such as avoiding sharing personal information and understanding the importance of respectful online behavior, is crucial for their online safety.

5. Supervised Play

Some virtual worlds offer specific teen-oriented spaces that are moderated or require adult supervision.

By understanding and utilizing these safety aspects, teenagers can enjoy virtual worlds with their friends in a secure environment.

Infographic: Psychological Pros And Cons Of Virtual World Games

While virtual world games are a fun way to spend time and bond with your friends, indulging in them too much can be bad. In the infographic below, we highlight the pros and cons of playing virtual games to help you manage the time you invest in them.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Minecraft a virtual world?

Yes, Minecraft is a video game which is based in a virtual world of unit-sized blocks.

Is Roblox a virtual world?

Yes, Roblox is a multiplayer online gaming platform that allows players to build virtual worlds.

What are the most popular online virtual world games?

IMVU, Minecraft, and World of Warcraft are considered some of the most popular online virtual world games.

Are virtual worlds and virtual reality the same thing?

No, there is a fundamental difference between the two. Virtual worlds are online environments that allow many people to interact with each other. Virtual reality is a computer-generated simulation where a single or multiple users are in an environment different from reality.

Why do people use virtual worlds?

Virtual worlds are used by people to destress from the stress of daily life, help to explore their creativity, and to socialize with other people. These games provide a variety of chances for communication, and many of them have interactive and customization features that motivate players to collaborate. Also, they even provide opportunities for learning and personal growth through education components.

Is social media a virtual world?

Yes, social media is considered a virtual world where people create certain personas and interact with other people on social media platforms.

Explore the best virtual worlds out there in the video below! From immersive gaming experiences to social hangouts, there’s something for everyone. So, go ahead and check it out!

Was this article helpful?

Reviewer Author Editor

Nirali BhatiaRelationship Counselor

   

Nirali Bhatia is a renowned counselor and cyberpsychologist with a decade of experience. She has a master's degree in Counseling Psychology and has received additional training in Cyberpsychology. She has graced the TEDx stage, been quoted in leading newspapers, and frequently appears on news channels, sharing her domain knowledge and insights.

Read full bio of Nirali Bhatia

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Sneha has a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, a professional Relationship Coach diploma, and over four years of experience in writing. She writes about relationships and lifestyle.Sneha began her career as an instructional designer, shifted to freelance technical and research writing, and self-published a novella on the theme of adolescent mental health.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete

Asmita DeAssociate Editor

Asmita De is an associate editor with over three years of experience. She graduated in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. She has collaborated with several digital companies and reputed publishing houses as an editor.

Read full bio of Asmita De