IMVU is a social focused experience that is available online for free through a downloadable client (Windows and Mac) with mobile apps (iOS and Android) also available. Some elements of the game such as browsing the available chat rooms and stores is available through your browser however the chat rooms require one of the aforementioned clients.
The game launched back in 2004 and has grown rapidly in that time to tens of million registered accounts and millions of items in its virtual catalogue (most of them designed by users). IMVU has continually reinvented itself since original release allowing it to stay fresh, retain a large audience and ultimately hold its spot as one of the top virtual worlds.
IMVU allows members to create their own 3D avatars, meet people, create items, participate in games and chat in a safe environment. Best described as Facebook with added 3D chat functionality and stores the IMVU experience splits itself between its website and downloadable clients. This mix makes managing your IMVU account easy to do on the go and regularly browse the shop collections without having to be at your computer or opening the primary app which is a nice touch for those players that like to always feel connected to their virtual world.
It is important to note that while IMVU is open to users as young as 13 the major age demographic is between 18 and 24 which has been driven by the mature marketing of IMVU which has pushed the 3D chat features to a mature audience. IMVU does restrict access to accounts based on the age they provide upon signup to ensure the experience is as safe as possible which ensures younger players can still engage with IMVU’s features albeit reduced functionality.
While the core focus of IMVU is connecting with others and customising your avatar some players will find themselves engaging more with the item catalogue where users can create their items and sell them to other players. From creating designs for tops, shoes or entire outfits IMVU makes it easy to focus your efforts on creating rather than socialising if you opt to do so.
Supporting these vast stores of user generated and IMVU created content is the in game economy which uses a credit system. You’ll earn some credits for completing activities and your participation on the IMVU website in general for common tasks. To get large amounts of IMVU credits though you’ll need to make a purchase or alternatively subscribe to the VIP life for a recurring fee that unlocks regular credit income amongst other features such as being a creator, whispers, priority support, remove ads, exclusive items and special gifts.
Summary:
- Social focused chat room client with game elements available through the website.
- Play for free and unlock additional features through VIP benefits (monthly subscription) or one off credit purchases.
- Create your own content as a creator and sell this through the shop to other players.
- A chat focused experience with a large audience of players predominately over 18.
- In built games and matching features allow you to easily find others with similar interests to chat with.
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Review Platform: PC
kalegx
Cool
Kaja
Hey
I’m fourteen ,Can I play it
Emily
Hi kaja , this game contains some kind of bad scenes , if you’re okay with that and you think that you can play it , go ahead ! It’s just you have to know that you’ll be playing with real people not computer like in sims . So you know things can happen
Anonymous
ya you can
milena
hi how are you
Cyrthulem
Imvu has people on there trying to steal other people’s credits and such. The people doing that will send you a message to a link that steals your IMVU stuff. I have not had anything like that happen in Second Life since I joined Second Life. Imvu sends you messages about credit sales and other things on sale which you cannot opt-out of. Imvu puts Guest in front of your name and keeps it that way until you use real money to buy a name registration token which lets you get rid of Guest in front of your name. Imvu does not let you change your display name. In other words, the name you choose when you signed up for IMVU is the name you are stuck with unless you buy a name change token or a Premium Name. The stuff in Second Life looks better than what IMVU has.
Jawi Owo
You are mostly right. But… When you outside and have no possibility to connect via PC, you can not get into SL on Android device…
April Johnson
Imvu only cares about making money and not things they refuse to repair or giving credit back for things they have that does not work
NYCLiz
…IMVU is excellent in many ways, but always remember that their main money comes from advertisers, and not from players, so we exist only to attract those big companies. Players who pay a monthly fee don’t see the ads, so IMVU’s interest in them is less than zero. As a long-time player who spends thousands, each year, I’ve received nothing but contempt from employees. Enjoy, but you’re on your own…