The Sims Online was one of the first popular, multiplayer virtual environments. It is based on the very popular life simulation game, The Sims. Unlike the others, this game is a pay service but it includes a certain amount of property along with it. In addition, just as in the game the virtual characters in The Sims Online have human needs which need to be maintained, such as sleep, food, and hygene. Users can create and aquire many different objects to user and decorate their space with.
One of the early criticisms of The Sims Online was the relative lawlessness of the game and the anarchy which ensued. Users would steal objects and also threaten, harass, and intimidate other users. There were even forms of organized gangs which developed. This was particularly controversial because the game is a pay service. Eventually, the developers had to come up with a disciplinary system to ensure that users were not harassed or intimidated by others. However, this continues to pose a problem in other virtual worlds.