Quick Interview with Philip Rosedale on the Metaverse, Mixed Reality, and AI

The day before yesterday, I found myself sitting across from Philip Rosedale. Yep, the guy behind Second Life. He’s back at it as CTO at Linden Lab, so I thought, why not visit this metaverse mothership, right?

Honestly, it was a pretty cool experience. I mean, Philip has this chill vibe, and wow — the dude’s got ideas bouncing around like a pinball machine. Chatting with someone like that makes you feel a bit smarter by osmosis, you know?

After our little pow-wow, I figured, why not share the genius around? So, off-the-cuff, we did this quick public interview. Nothing planned, just a few rapid-fire questions about tech stuff — mixed reality, AI, the oh-so-mighty “metaverse” — during the small window before his next meeting.

One of the best nuggets he dropped was about how tech isn’t ready for the metaverse to be a thing for everyone. So, yeah, design for the wild innovators, not your grandma — that’s why VRChat is vibing while Horizon Worlds, not so much.

You can check out the video if you want to see my slightly embarrassing excitement in action. Or just read my rambling transcript below the clip. Future dream? A long, uninterrupted interview with the man. That’d be the ticket.

Tony: Hello, everyone. Legend alert: Philip Rosedale is here.

Philip: Hey. Nice to be here.

Tony: So here I am at the legendary Second Life locale. First time, and gotta say, kinda geeking out a bit. Few minutes, few questions. OK, so what’s the deal with the word “Metaverse” being scary? Is social VR done, or what?

Philip: Not over at all. Millions still hit up virtual worlds daily. It’s like, Second Life, VRChat — the usual suspects. But mainstream? Nope, not yet. It’s a solid experience but kinda niche. Chatting today, those headset issues are a bummer. Still clunky. Doesn’t quite click.

Tony: Yup, need a tech glow-up — smoother, sharper, all the bells and whistles. But us creators, how do we roll out something groundbreaking?

Philip: Creativity, pure and simple. Oddball, quirky stuff wins. Second Life had offbeat charm. Experiments galore. Art, events, the whole shebang. Keep amplifying creativity, that’s key. Right now, business meetings, school? Meh. Not sold. But fund the weird and wonderful, and we’re golden.

Tony: Virtual worlds could be the colorful escape we need in a grey landscape, huh?

Philip: Absolutely. Diversity, opinions collide, you get the picture. Safe havens where you can let your virtual hair down. Second Life, VRChat, they’ve got something going. Hundreds of thousands living their best digital life right now. Gotta love that. Sometimes, stepping away from reality isn’t such a bad move.

Tony: Mixed reality — how do we mingle without freaking out?

Philip: Key thing, don’t cover the eyes, man. Freaks people out, poker face syndrome. Some headsets out there, we’re trying. But, also, social contracts are a must. What do we share in this mixed setting? Personal bubble boundaries — developers, are you listening?

Tony: Privacy’s kinda big when workplaces go virtual, right?

Philip: Totally. Precise location tech can feel like a privacy breach. Know the GPS won’t cut it inside a building. We need smart privacy agreements, then we build the cool stuff. Gotta think this through.

Tony: Connecting people, that’s your jam. AI pals — threat or thrill?

Philip: Caution sign. Swapping people out for AI? Risky road. AI could enhance friendships, maybe. But, we don’t want AI stealing your actual bestie’s spotlight. Society needs a check on this one — ethics first, not just business games.

Tony: Last one, a shout-out of sorts. Inspire these folks to create something fresh?

Philip: Faces, expressions — bring avatars to life with AI. Imagine an avatar that’s practically your twin. We’re working towards it. Engage more, break virtual walls down. That’s the hopeful goal. AI’s got its part to play in making this happen.

Tony: Thanks a bunch, folks, for tuning in. And big thanks to Philip for the hangout. Catch you later!

Philip: Take care. It’s been great.