In the past few years, MMORPGS have become more than a place to play games or engage in virtual conversations evolving into a place for commerce and economic experiments. It is common for people to sell game objects (swords, spells) from MMORPGs like Everquest on eBay for real currency. Companies have begun using these enviornments to hold meetings and conduct trainings. And now, Coldwell Banker is selling virtual properties in the game Second Life.
MMORPG Background:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MMORPG
Coldwell Banker properties:
http://games.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=07/03/24/2010207&from=rss