Online characters will soon be able to walk from one virtual world into another, no longer trapped in the reality in which they were created. The plan by IBM and Second Life aims to increase the popularity of virtual worlds. The online reality giants hope that by 2011, 80% of internet users will have an online alter ego.

It’ a clever move - people who spend lots of time and money personalizing their character with tattoos, body piercing and hairstyles would be reluctant to repeat the laborious process in different worlds. IMB and Second Life believe that if people could move these characters between worlds, for example to do a business deal, then the concept of online realities would become more popular. Businesses have already followed people into virtual worlds; opening shops to promote brands and even sell items that are delivered to characters’ counterparts in the real world. Soon your online character will be able to grab their passport and do business all over the virtual globe.