Second Life Cash Alternative - Ukash

Second Life gamers can finally benefit from a cash alternative according to official word from Linden (the developer), who claims that - by stepping up to the Ukash terminals located in the Bulido Money Service outlets in the virtual world of Second Life - residents can now use Ukash cash vouchers to redeem Linden Dollars (the game's official currency). There are no fees charged to get Ukash, meaning consumers can use the full amount of their Ukash when spending online.

Linden says that cash consumers, and those without credit cards looking to get financial details online, will be able to get Ukash vouchers from thousands of locations across Europe. Mark Chirnside, Chief Executive Officer at Ukash confirms:

"Ukash transactions are growing across Europe because of the convenience and security it provides to those who wish to spend cash online, so it's natural to offer the same benefits to those who wish to transact within Second Life."

Mark Chirnside adds: "Over $6 million were traded at LindeX, Second Life's currency exchange during the second quarter of 2007, and nearly 100m (1) residents of the virtual world have premium membership that allows them to buy and sell land within Second Life so there's a new and booming economy that we're pleased to be opening up to the cash consumer".

Just so everyone knows how they stand, Linden has also confirmed that the transaction is completed in real time, as Linden Dollars go into the residents' accounts immediately. Also, users can make return visits to the Bulido website to get Linden Dollars without needing to be logged into Second Life. The Bulido Money Service is designed and operated by Crafty Studios Games Development GmbH of P�ttsching, Austria.

Payment terminals can be found in newsagents, grocery stores, post offices and petrol forecourts across the UK, Ireland, Spain, Germany and The Netherlands, while Ukash is also available online and via banks in the upper mentioned territories and in other 15 European countries.