This may be old news, but I am behind on my reading.
IBM is working with Linden Labs to create a universal avatar that would work in multiple 3D worlds. I am curious to see how this will play out because most 3D worlds, and other online games as well, run on different programming languages. Some companies like to hold their programming very close so it may be revealing to see who is willing to participate in this project.
–Jane, figuring the programming out is a bit beyond her