Warner Bros. Pictures has unveiled an original, online, multiplayer first-person shooter/RPG game playable in Second Life, built by The Electric Sheep Company. Launched in support of an upcoming film starring Will Smith, I Am Legend: Survival transports players into a replica of over 60 acres of New York City set in the chaotic year preceding the movie. Players can pick either of two rival factions, uninfected and infected, and play as either dogs or humans who battle for the future of mankind. Uninfected characters must fight to survive as they desperately seek the cure for the terrible virus that is destroying mankind. Infected characters have only one objective: to stop uninfected characters at all costs.

The game features player-customizable avatars loosely based on characters in the film and New York City-based environments that evolve and expand over time, mirroring the changes that occur in the film environment. It supports both voice and text chat for in-game multiplayer communication. The game is available as a free download from http://iamlegendsurvival.com/ on October 12, 2007.

I Am Legend: Survival has a custom registration portal that will take Second Life avatars to a virtual Orientation Island. The Orientation Island gives both new and existing Second Life players a thorough game play overview, with practice tasks and access to online FAQs and game support. Players will be able to acquire clothing, equipment and the skills required to play the game. Orientation Island will also contain an “Operations Base” where players can meet and socialize, find out about upcoming events and shop for optional accessories fitting the I Am Legend: Survival theme.

Notably, the game-play is open-ended, with a strong user participation element that will help determine the game's outcome, with players encouraged to participate in the official blog. Players begin the game on Orientation Island and will be able to explore Central Park, Coney Island and Chinatown. The final game play area, Columbus Circle, will open on November 16.

"Virtual Worlds provide an excellent platform for action games with a heavy social component," said Sibley Verbeck, CEO of The Electric Sheep Company. "The experience of I Am Legend: Survival in Second Life allows players to immerse themselves within the conflict of I Am Legend the movie while interacting with geographically dispersed players. The social aspects in Second Life contribute to a highly interactive and unique gaming experience."