This document provides an introduction to virtual worlds, including definitions and brief histories. It defines a virtual world as a computer-based simulated environment intended for users to inhabit and interact via avatars. Avatars are embodiments that represent users. Some key points discussed include that the idea of virtual worlds originated from science fiction works in the 1980s, early virtual worlds from the 1960s-1990s that laid foundations for the genre, how communication occurs in virtual worlds, and the top 10 most popular current virtual worlds which are led by World of Warcraft.

1. Introduction to VirtualIntroduction to Virtual
WorldsWorlds
Kathleen YavornKathleen Yavorn
ITEC 830 Spring 2009ITEC 830 Spring 2009

2. What is considered aWhat is considered a
Virtual World?Virtual World?
(¦v r·ch ·w l w rld)ə ə ə ′ ə(¦v r·ch ·w l w rld)ə ə ə ′ ə
(computer science) A navigable visual digital(computer science) A navigable visual digital
environment.environment.
Sci-Tech DictionarySci-Tech Dictionary
Computer-based simulated environment intended forComputer-based simulated environment intended for
its users to inhabit and interact via avatars.its users to inhabit and interact via avatars.
The model world may simulate rules based on theThe model world may simulate rules based on the
real world or some hybrid fantasy world.real world or some hybrid fantasy world.
www.wikipedia.comwww.wikipedia.com

3. What is an Avatar?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;

6. Where did the idea ofWhere did the idea of
Virtual World come from?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.

8. Where did the idea of
Second Life come from?

9. How Does oneHow Does one
Communicate throughCommunicate through
Virtual World?Virtual World?
TextText
SoundSound
Voice CommandVoice Command
IconsIcons
TouchTouch
GesturesGestures

10. Let’s look at someLet’s look at some
Virtual Worlds from theVirtual Worlds from the
pastpast

11. 1962

12. 1968
Ivan Sutherland’s
Virtual Reality Device

13. 1974
Maze War

14. 1978

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

17. Palace
Cybertown

18. Worlds Away
1980’s-
1990’s

20. 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

22. Virtual Worlds andVirtual Worlds and
EducationEducation

27. Geared toward 8-14 year olds
Whyville

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

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

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

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

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

33. Any Questions?