Virtual reality meets the power of incentives. In the world of MetaPet, an online game that debuted on May 1, players get the chance to become boss by assuming a managerial role in one of three biotechnology firms. Mirroring real life, the manager's mission is to provide the right mix of incentives and recognition awards to the diligent worker-pet under their supervision. The game, launched by Creative Time, a not-for-profit arts organization in New York, is the brainchild of Natalie Bookchin and Jin Lee, co-founders of Action Tank, an independent mobile network that uses technology to address current social issues.

But players beware: The computer game requires top-notch management skills. The rewards you choose determine whether worker-pets are promoted or sent packing. "The corporate environment is about the bottom line. Managers have to get the most money for the company. It's up to the player to decide that without forgetting about workers' needs," Bookchin says.

Rewards reflect the worker-pet's place on the corporate totem pole: coffee mugs for entry-level employees and a corporate jet for the head honcho. "The goal of the game is to have the highest productivity and get your worker-pet promoted. If your employee makes it to 65, they can retire. But if a manager does a bad job, the worker-pet can experience dissatisfaction and quit," says Cathy Davies, a designer of the game.

Do you have what it takes to manage the work force of the future? MetaPet comes complete with a bulletin board feature, enabling players to compare their performance with others. "I'd like players to have fun and reflect on the situation. We are all agents of change, and MetaPet encourages people to think critically," Bookchin says.

The game can be found on www.metapet.net. --Jeanie Casison This page is protected by Copyright laws. Do Not Copy