Second Life, the game that has been in the limelight more than it should be, is getting amBX-ised, thanks to Philips. The latter announced at GDC that the Linden Labs game has licensed its environmental technology to let its users experience their second life in their first life. Besides enabling the experience, Philips’ agreement with the company extends to future brand marketing campaigns and other “commercially driven experiences”, whatever they may be.

A total of 4 million users from around the globe inhabit Second Life since its inception in 2003. It has recently grabbed the limelight thanks to major institutions like Reuters, BBC and the Swedish embassy placing their virtual offices in the game.

Philips’ amBX technology comprises of a scripting language, software engine and architecture, letting developers control light, color, heat, sound and even air flow in the real world via amBX hardware. They have launched a range of PC gaming peripherals, including color-controlled lighting, rumble peripherals and desktop fans.