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Chat with other people in a realistic environment

Chat with other people in a realistic environment

Vote: (2 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: IMVU Inc.

Version: 543.0

Works under: Mac

Also available for Windows

Vote:

Program license

(2 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

IMVU Inc.

543.0

Works under:

Also available for

Mac

Windows

Pros

  • New content uploaded all of the time
  • Great for running your own RPG
  • Vibrant community

Cons

  • Runs slowly on older Macintosh laptops
  • Relies on microtransactions
  • Some areas no longer accessible to new players

IMVU is a hybrid online metaverse that offers players aspects of online games as well as social networks.

When you first start the IMVU client on your Macintosh, you'll be asked to create a new character as a 3D avatar. You won't have very many different options to chose from, and more than likely you'll end up starting with a relatively generic prebuilt character. Once you get into the app's main dashboard, however, you'll be able to customize your character to your heart's content.

Fans of online roleplaying games will love interacting with other players the most. You can create a character that has the look of any of a number of fantasy creatures. For this reason, the app has attracted a number of people who follow the furry fandom.

Players can download custom animal-themed accessories and dress their characters up with ears and a tail if they so wish. This makes it particularly attractive to those who enjoy speculative fiction, since roleplaying on IMVU mostly takes place in text chats.

Users simply need to pose their character and they'll be ready to go. When the in-text action warrants, you'll then be able to move your character to any other area of the map you're in.

In fact, many people have elected to forego all of the fantasy aspects of the game and focus instead solely on using it the same way they'd use any other social networking app. It's become a meeting ground for artists, in part because it gives users the freedom to design their own levels and gear.

Some people even set up shops and allow you to purchase items for your characters to wear from them. Unfortunately, IMVU relies very heavily on this model. Many players have found that they're unable to develop an attractive character without using the app's built-in microtransaction system.

That being said, you'll be able to find a large variety of user-created content as a result. This should more than outweigh any of the drawbacks for those who enjoy a dynamic environment that changes every single time that they log into the game.

Pros

  • New content uploaded all of the time
  • Great for running your own RPG
  • Vibrant community

Cons

  • Runs slowly on older Macintosh laptops
  • Relies on microtransactions
  • Some areas no longer accessible to new players