"Deep Down" Second Life game explores energy industry in Appalachian mountains

In June, I had the pleasure of participating the "Producers Institute" sponsored by the nice folks at the Bay Area Video Coalition in San Francisco.  I was there as a "mentor" for a couple of different documentary projects using virtual worlds and games as ways to build engagement and interest in their subject matter. 

Here's a video about one of the projects I helped with -- "Deep Down," a cool Second Life-powered game that teaches the player about energy consumption and conservation through exploring a mining town in the Appalachian mountains.  It's a great example of how a virtual world can help connect you personally to an issue that might seem distant and esoteric like the coal industry in the southern United States.