Introduction to 3D
Virtual Worlds
11 September 2009

Agenda
• Introduction
• History of 3D Web
• The ‘analyst’s’ views
• Where we are today
• Worlds of possibilities
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Terry Thorpe
• Founder of KohdSpace
• Specialist 3D Web Consultancy
• Chartered with multiple Fellowships
• Global Ambassador of AVW
• Ex Unisys, Skipton BS, Coutts, etc.
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History of 3D Web
Habitat 1985 Second Life 2008
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History of 3D Web
• Active Worlds 1997
• Second Life 2003
• There 2003
• Multiverse 2007
• Sony Home 2007
• Blue Mars 2009
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Virtual Worlds
Avatar Centric Sports
Social Platforms
Social Game
MMORPG
Branded
3D Chat Adult Games
Worlds
Virtual Worlds
Entertainment Business
Virtual World
City Guides Generators Serious Games
Source:FredCavazza.net
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RealXtend
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Twinity
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Mirror Worlds...
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Cologne
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Dublin
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Analysts Views
• Gartner predict 80% of active
internet users will have a “Second
Life” by 2011
• The also have said it has reached
the ‘peak’ of hype in education?
• ... and that it will be mainstream in
2010/11
Source: The Gartner Group
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“The Internet is on the cusp
of its next major evolution”
Forrester Research recently stated that
“The Internet is on the cusp of its next major
evolution”, and urged its clients to start
experimenting with 3D Web despite the
infancy of the medium.
Source: Forrester Research
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a leading global media company, with 5,000 staff
in more than 30 countries.
UBM plans to move into ‘virtual events’
The Daily Telegraph - 13 December 2008
UBM is Listed on the London Stock
Exchange. In 2007 or continuing business
generated revenues of over £800m
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Source: The Gartner Group
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Source: The Gartner Group

Source: The Gartner Group

2007 let’s say 5-10 years away
Source: The Gartner Group

Source: The Gartner Group

2008 let’s say 2-5 years away
Source: The Gartner Group

Source: The Gartner Group

Source: The Gartner Group

Source: Crossing The Chasm,
G.A.Moore
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On the other hand
“Virtual worlds have become a core technology for our teaching,
learning, research and collaboration.”
Source: virtualworldwatch.net
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On the other hand
Investment in Virtual Worlds:
• Oct ’06 - Oct ’07 = $1billion
• Oct ’07 - Mar ’09 = $918million
• ...now rising again
Source: Virtual Worlds Management
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Where are we now?
• Let’s say 130 million users
• 75% are 8-25 years old
• Then there is the 550 m social
networking users
• “When Worlds Collide!”
(be wary of all web statistics)
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What could you do?
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A sense of place
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Exhibitions
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Meetings
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Conferences
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Products and Brand
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Learning environments
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Networking
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Design
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Terraforming
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Recreation
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2012
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Sports
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Benefits of using 3d web
• death of distance
• the green agenda
• the next big thing
• cost savings
• public relations
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Questions on
Introduction?
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