Metaplace is a MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) which closest references would be Runescape, Second Life and The Sims. it would say it is like a mixture of those based on the dynamics of it. i am not even comfortable saying it is a MMORPG but for the sake of reference just go with my description above.
Having said that i find it suitable for kids, tweens and maybe some a small slice of teenagers would find it attractive. but you never know. proof of that can be seen in The Sims that was targeted for those sectors originally but expanded well beyond them to the surprise of its publisher.
Talking directly about the widget, things change because it becomes a nice 3d chat widget when used from that perspective. mostly a novelty but a good option to check out.
Don Reisinger over at CNET got a nice and quick overview about it in overall
