Introduction to Virtual Worlds Kathleen Yavorn ITEC 830 Spring 2009

What is considered a Virtual World? (¦vər·chə·wəl ′wərld) (computer science) A navigable visual digital environment. Sci-Tech Dictionary Computer-based simulated environment intended for its users to inhabit and interact via avatars. The model world may simulate rules based on the real world or some hybrid fantasy world. www.wikipedia.com

(¦vər·chə·wəl ′wərld)

(computer science) A navigable visual digital environment. Sci-Tech Dictionary

Computer-based simulated environment intended for its users to inhabit and interact via avatars.

The model world may simulate rules based on the real world or some hybrid fantasy world. www.wikipedia.com

What is an Avatar? Embodiment: a new personification of a familiar idea; "the embodiment of hope"; "the incarnation of evil"; "the very avatar of cunning" the manifestation of a Hindu deity (especially Vishnu) in human or superhuman or animal form;

Where did the idea of Virtual World come from? Cyberspace "a consensual hallucination experienced daily by billions." It was actually in his 1982 short story Burning Chrome in Omni magazine, in which he invents the word cyberspace.

Where did the idea of Second Life come from?

How Does one Communicate through Virtual World? Text Sound Voice Command Icons Touch Gestures

Text

Sound

Voice Command

Icons

Touch

Gestures

Let’s look at some Virtual Worlds from the past

1962

1968 Ivan Sutherland’s Virtual Reality Device

1974 Maze War

1978

First “online virtual world”, LucasFilm Games for Commodore 64 computer (Quantum Link service) Habitat 1987

Palace Cybertown

Worlds Away 1980’s- 1990’s

Meridian 59 was the first game to incorporate large numbers of players in a single world, a persistent world, and many of the other identifying elements of MMOGs (Massively MultiPlayer Online Game) 1996

Virtual Worlds and Education

Geared toward 8-14 year olds Whyville

Top 10 most popular Virtual Worlds World of Warcraft, released 2004 – over 11 million subscribers. 2. Habbo Hotel, released 2000 – over 8 million active users.

World of Warcraft, released 2004 –

over 11 million subscribers.

Top 10 most popular Virtual Worlds 3. RuneScape, released 2001 – 5 million active users. Club Penguin, released 2006 - over 5 million active users.

Club Penguin, released 2006 -

over 5 million active users.

Top 10 most popular Virtual Worlds Webkinz, released 2005 – over 4 million active users 6. Gaia Online, released 2003 – over 2 million active users.

Webkinz, released 2005 –

over 4 million active users

Top 10 most popular Virtual Worlds 7. Guild Wars, released 2005 – over 2 million active users. 8. Puzzle Pirates, released 2003 – over 1.5 million active users

Top 10 most popular Virtual Worlds 9. Lineage I/II, released 1998 – over 1 million subscribers. 10. Second Life, released 2003 – over 500,000 active users.

Any Questions?