Since the mid-1990s, however, the popularity, diversity, and application of virtual worlds have spread rapidly. As a result, existing taxonomies and topologies increasingly are becoming less effective at being able to classify and organize the growing diversification of content available in today's virtual worlds. This article presents the methodical process used to establish a taxonomy framework that (i) is grounded in a controlled vocabulary and employs objectively assessable classification rules and (ii) utilizes a methodological historical review to identify prominent traits of virtual worlds in order to create a multidimensional structure capable of visualizing a classification scheme appropriate to today's virtual worlds and adaptable to tomorrow's technologies. By using this taxonomy visualization framework, researchers and practitioners can (i) better clarify the scope of the field, (ii) utilize a common mechanism for categorizing and comparing known elements within the field, and (iii) better identify gaps in knowledge (and gaps in technology) needing development. (Contains 9 figures.)