Workshop 3: Virtual Worlds for Networking Communities Group 3 Alder Chew Mirna Anaya Jakrapun Vacharachaisurapol Nattaphon Supalasret Maria Andrea Dugtong

Workshop 3:Workshop 3: Virtual Worlds for Networking Virtual Worlds for Networking CommunitiesCommunities

Group 3Group 3

Alder ChewAlder Chew Mirna Anaya Mirna Anaya

Jakrapun VacharachaisurapolJakrapun Vacharachaisurapol Nattaphon SupalasretNattaphon Supalasret

Maria Andrea DugtongMaria Andrea Dugtong Nobuhiro NakayamaNobuhiro Nakayama

Virtual Worlds for NC 2

Outline

1. Definition, Purpose, and History2. Characteristics, Culture, and Types 3. Designing the Virtual World4. Examples and Applications5. Technologies and Tools6. Issues


DefinitionDefinition

A A virtual worldvirtual world is a is a computer-simulated -simulated environment intended for its users to environment intended for its users to inhabit and interact with via inhabit and interact with via avatars. . This habitation usually is represented in This habitation usually is represented in the form of two or three-dimensional the form of two or three-dimensional graphical representations of humanoids graphical representations of humanoids (or other graphical or text-based (or other graphical or text-based avatars). Some, but not all, virtual avatars). Some, but not all, virtual worlds allow for multiple users.worlds allow for multiple users.


Advantages and DisadvantagesAdvantages and Disadvantages

AdvantagesAdvantagesallow the people around the world can allow the people around the world can communicate and they can understand each communicate and they can understand each other regardless the place other regardless the place

DisadvantagesDisadvantageslosing the closeness of inter-personal losing the closeness of inter-personal relationships and some the events are relationships and some the events are involved bad copy of the real world tiresome involved bad copy of the real world tiresome and downright boringand downright boring


Evolution of Virtual WorldEvolution of Virtual World

1D application - Text-based Application1D application - Text-based Application 2D application - Ultima On-Line2D application - Ultima On-Line 3D application - Active World 3D application - Active World


History 1969: Rick Blomme writes a two-player version of Massachusetts Institute of

Technology's renowned Space War for the Plato service. December 1979: Roy Trubshaw and Richard Bartle develop the first working

multi-user dungeon (MUD) at Essex University in Colchester. 1983: Kesmai launches MegaWars, which closes in 1995. 1985: The first virtual reality environments using avatars - virtual icons - begin to

appear. 1995: Worlds Chat becomes the first avatar environment on the Internet. October 1996: Two Microsoft interns, Andrew and Chris Kirmse, release

Meridian 59, an experimental virtual world. Spring 1997: Electronic Arts launches Ultima Online (OU), the first commercial

virtual world, March 1999: Verant Interactive, a subsidiary of Sony, launches EverQuest. It

becomes the most popular virtual world in the US. Autumn 2000: Microsoft launches Asheron's Call. Winter 2001: Virtual worlds such as Norway's Anarchy Online and Mythic

Entertainment's Dark Age of Camelot join the fray. 2002: Electronic Arts to launch the Sims Online, Sony and Lucas Arts release

Star Wars Galaxies: perhaps the two most eagerly anticipated virtual worlds.

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Culture of Virtual Worlds Characteristics of Virtual Societies

Social Complexity & functional differentiation of societies and the formation of specific institutions: division of labour, law systems, political system, money and market systems

Fundamental prerequisites for further development: a language to communicate, a social system and religion to legitimize the social system, social functions and hierarchy.

Only when social-cultural complexity of Virtual Worlds is functional, will it persist. Eg. online game worlds lack the need for a complex social-cultural architecture therefore this attribute is not available.

http://www.virtualworlds.org/

Virtual architecture, inhabits unlimited and infinite expandable space. Without limits to the site, there is little indicator of where to place surfaces of enclosure.

http://www.uni-weimar.de/architektur/InfAR/publific/campbell/chapter5.htm

Do Virtual Worlds possess the social-cultural complexity needed to call them ‘virtual societies’?

What makes up the social movement of persons and organizations that are trying to steer Virtual Worlds go in the direction of being modern virtual societies?

The change of virtual societies must be studied over time to see if they manifest an increasingly complex set of institutions and by doing so are moving in the direction of being modern virtual societies.

http://www.digitalspace.com/papers


The culture of virtual worlds is evolving rapidly:

Most virtual worlds have an internal policy/code of conduct which must be respected by all end users.

Virtual Worlds differenciate from each other by the community types, interest, levels of intimacy available to the end users and environments (text based, visuals based, voice based)

Language/Lingo used in Virtual Communities: Emoticons, Emoties, social acronysms

Virtual Worlds encourage the stablishment of ‘Individual Personas’Using the same nickname in all worlds we inhabit will contribute to stablish a more distinguished presence.Setting up a profiles: yourself, your fantasy self, etc.

Virtual Worlds relay on the differenciation of social functions and hierarchy among their members.

Reflect physical and biological realities, also increasingly have a social-cultural structure that will mirror the complexity of normal life.

Virtual Worlds continuously improve ‘security measures’ in order to protect members privacy and safety.


Cultural Issues Communication: clarity is essential when communicating electronically to avoid

misinterpretations.

Population Density: If an area is too full of people it could lead to several types of issues such as lack of privacy, conversation going ‘out of sync’, text overlay.

Rude Behaviour: avoid UPPERCASE, considered shouting use muting feature if required. Respect others areas (do not leave flames, mailboxes, newsstands in any area other than your own).

Language: english is not the only language of humanity. Respect the ones that use other languages. If you know some words maybe polite to answer in their language.

http://www.digitalspace.com/avatars/book/appendix/netiq.htm

Security & Privacy:

Do not include your phone numbers or address in your profile.No conversation is truly private.Rights and privacy of others should be respected.Harrassment can also take place in virtual worlds: abuse, malicious whispers, malicious attacks (shutdowns), impersonations intentional /unintentional (test them). http://sting.yrams.nl/harass.html.


Virtual Worlds Types

Virtual Worlds fall currently into three types:

Multi-million dollar efforts in multi-player entertainment,

Smaller social and creative spaces supported as research efforts

Home-brewed digital spaces

The last category can increase enormously. The present generation is used to the documentbased web.The next generation, is used to environments that stress navigation through verycomplex, 3D spaces full of behaviors. The next generation promises to bring us into VirtualWorlds for play, learning, work, and just being. http://www.ccon.org/papers/debruinav98.html


DevelopmentDevelopment The Team The Team

Producer, Lead designer, Lead programmer, Lead artistProducer, Lead designer, Lead programmer, Lead artist

Development ProcessDevelopment Process Pre-Production Pre-Production Concept evaluation, project planning (up to 6 months)Concept evaluation, project planning (up to 6 months)

ProductionProduction Programming, data creation (2-6 yrs for large commercial VW)Programming, data creation (2-6 yrs for large commercial VW)

Roll OutRoll Out Integration of technologies and assets created, beta testing, launchingIntegration of technologies and assets created, beta testing, launching

OperationOperation Begins when people start paying to enter the VWBegins when people start paying to enter the VW

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ArchitectureArchitecture Load BalancingLoad Balancing Activity is spread across sub-Activity is spread across sub-

servers to cope with all workservers to cope with all work

Client/Server ModelClient/Server Model Server embodies the VW; Server embodies the VW;

Client is the player’s window Client is the player’s window on the VWon the VW

SynchronizationSynchronization Minimize lag thru faster Minimize lag thru faster

hardware and code hardware and code optimization, making nothing optimization, making nothing too time-sensitive, use of too time-sensitive, use of predictive models on object predictive models on object movementsmovements

SecuritySecurity Encryption, no world decision Encryption, no world decision

delegated to a client, no world-delegated to a client, no world-critical code in client, logging critical code in client, logging activitiesactivities


Theory and PracticeTheory and PracticeHow VW How VW oughtought to be put together and how they to be put together and how they areare put together put together

Modes - Modes - Create user experienceCreate user experience

Virtual RealityVirtual RealityVR interface, lets you see/hear VW in 3D (full-vision headsets, surround sound, VR interface, lets you see/hear VW in 3D (full-vision headsets, surround sound,

sensors, etc.) - reasonable for closed user base but not for open user base sensors, etc.) - reasonable for closed user base but not for open user base due to costdue to cost

ExtensibilityExtensibilityVWs are designed in such that they can be extended over time, to cater for VWs are designed in such that they can be extended over time, to cater for

improvements. improvements.

Common ModesCommon Modes

CommandCommand direct command to the serverdirect command to the server

ConversationConversation say commandsay command

Coding Coding scripting languagescripting language ActingActing pose/act/emotepose/act/emote

SwitchSwitch client instead of serverclient instead of server HelpHelp help commandhelp command


Active WorldActive World offers a comprehensive platform for efficiently delivering real-offers a comprehensive platform for efficiently delivering real-

time interactive 3D content over the web time interactive 3D content over the web User can build anything you want - a space ship, an User can build anything you want - a space ship, an

impenetrable fortress, a nice house in the country or even the impenetrable fortress, a nice house in the country or even the countryside itselfcountryside itself

User can play games and shopping in the Active WorldUser can play games and shopping in the Active World Active Worlds is a fully multimedia capable environment.Active Worlds is a fully multimedia capable environment. Advertising in Active WorldsAdvertising in Active Worlds Hosts a Universe of over 1000 3D virtual reality worlds, Hosts a Universe of over 1000 3D virtual reality worlds, most most

popular world, AlphaWorldpopular world, AlphaWorld FREE for tourist!!FREE for tourist!! www.activeworlds.comwww.activeworlds.com


Screen Shot


Moove OnlineMoove Online

moove online 3D chat world is always available to you and can moove online 3D chat world is always available to you and can be used offline.be used offline.

Create own 3D avatars, postures, movements and decorationsCreate own 3D avatars, postures, movements and decorations Create 3D Home, Create 3D Home, decorate the rooms with usable, interactive decorate the rooms with usable, interactive

3D furniture, your own pictures, graphics... 3D furniture, your own pictures, graphics... webcam and voice supportwebcam and voice support Similar to Active Worlds, user can go to “neighbours” house, Similar to Active Worlds, user can go to “neighbours” house,

make friend with new “neighbours” beside your own “house” in make friend with new “neighbours” beside your own “house” in Moove.Moove.

http://www.moove.com/index.htmlhttp://www.moove.com/index.html


Screen Shot


Project EntropiaProject Entropia

Project Entropia is a massive virtual universe with a Project Entropia is a massive virtual universe with a real cash economyreal cash economy

The virtual currency in Project Entropia is PED, or The virtual currency in Project Entropia is PED, or Project Entropia Dollars. The fixed exchange rate Project Entropia Dollars. The fixed exchange rate equals 10 PED = 1 US Dollar.equals 10 PED = 1 US Dollar.

User can create 3D Avatar, User can create 3D Avatar, hunting and teaming, hunting and teaming, buying houses and even have tax for the estates. buying houses and even have tax for the estates.

News: A 22-year-old gamer has spent $26,500 News: A 22-year-old gamer has spent $26,500 (£13,700) on an island that exists only in a computer (£13,700) on an island that exists only in a computer role-playing game (RPG). role-playing game (RPG).

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4104731.stmhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4104731.stm


Screen Shot


OthersOthers

Beside the website that introduced above, most of Beside the website that introduced above, most of the developers create 3D virtual world in gaming. the developers create 3D virtual world in gaming. There are a lot of online games that we can found There are a lot of online games that we can found online.online.

http://www.lineage2.com.twhttp://www.lineage2.com.tw http://www.ragnarok.com.au/http://www.ragnarok.com.au/ The Sims OnlineThe Sims Online http://www.worlds.com/index.htmlhttp://www.worlds.com/index.html


Technology and Tools for Virtual WorldTechnology and Tools for Virtual World

1. VRML (1. VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling LanguageVirtual Reality Modeling Language ))

- - VRMLVRML is a file format for describing interactive 3D objects and is a file format for describing interactive 3D objects and worlds worlds and is designed to be used on Internet, Intranet and and is designed to be used on Internet, Intranet and local system.local system.

- - 3D objects3D objects in VRML can be linked with other media such as text, in VRML can be linked with other media such as text, sounds, movies, and images.sounds, movies, and images.

-- The current standard is VRML 97, which in its draft phase was The current standard is VRML 97, which in its draft phase was known as known as VRML 2VRML 2..

- Plug-ins or VRML browser is needed to view VRML contents.- Plug-ins or VRML browser is needed to view VRML contents.- Most popular 3D technology for Virtual World on the Web for the - Most popular 3D technology for Virtual World on the Web for the

last last 10 years. But a new competitor -> 10 years. But a new competitor -> X3DX3D..- I- It is t is difficultdifficult to develop VRML environments that play on all to develop VRML environments that play on all conformant browsers/players.conformant browsers/players.


Technology and Tools for Virtual WorldTechnology and Tools for Virtual World (Cont)(Cont)

2. xVRML 2. xVRML ((The extensible Virtual Reality Modelling LanguageThe extensible Virtual Reality Modelling Language))

--The The xVRML ProjectxVRML Project is centered around developing an XML is centered around developing an XML Schema Schema

to describe the structure and constraints of to describe the structure and constraints of VRMLVRML..--xVRMLxVRML is focused on providing capabilities in three domains: is focused on providing capabilities in three domains:

a) a) displaydisplay of virtual reality scenes based on the World- of virtual reality scenes based on the World-Wide WebWide Web

b) b) participationparticipation in small-scale virtual environments in small-scale virtual environments based on the World-Wide Webbased on the World-Wide Web

c) c) teachingteaching basic principles and practices of 3D based basic principles and practices of 3D based on the World-Wide Web.on the World-Wide Web.

- By using XML schema, VRML environments will be conformed to - By using XML schema, VRML environments will be conformed to the same standard.the same standard.



3. 3. X3DX3D

--X3D is an Open Standards X3D is an Open Standards XML-enabled 3DXML-enabled 3D file format to enable real- file format to enable real-time communication of 3D data.time communication of 3D data.

-X3D is the -X3D is the successorsuccessor to the to the VRMLVRML

-Universal interchange format (XML)-Universal interchange format (XML)

-X3D Environments will have the same result on any X3D -X3D Environments will have the same result on any X3D Browsers/PlayersBrowsers/Players

4. Game Engine4. Game Engine-Software component-Software component providing graphics rendering facilitiesproviding graphics rendering facilities

-Rich in 3D graphics and features based on -Rich in 3D graphics and features based on Direct3DDirect3D and and OpenGLOpenGL technologies.technologies.

-Usually software is installed and run locally on user’s machine -Usually software is installed and run locally on user’s machine instead instead of retrieve from the web.of retrieve from the web.

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Example of tools for VRML, xVRML, X3D, and Game EngineExample of tools for VRML, xVRML, X3D, and Game Engine Viewers, Browsers & Plug-insViewers, Browsers & Plug-ins

SoftwareSoftware Supported FormatSupported Format DescriptionDescription

blaxxun Contactblaxxun Contact VRML and X3DVRML and X3D A stable browser with compact navigations.A stable browser with compact navigations.

Flux PlayerFlux Player VRML and X3DVRML and X3D the first high-performance fully compliant X3D the first high-performance fully compliant X3D playerplayer

FreeWrlFreeWrl VRML and X3DVRML and X3D An open-source VRML and X3D browserAn open-source VRML and X3D browser

Carina AlphaCarina Alpha xVRMLxVRML viewer and a browser plugin forviewer and a browser plugin for xVRMLxVRML

Content Authoring & Editing ToolsContent Authoring & Editing Tools

SoftwareSoftware Supported FormatSupported Format DescriptionDescription

VrmlPadVrmlPad VRMLVRML professional editor for VRML programmingprofessional editor for VRML programming

blaxxun Place Builblaxxun Place Builderder

VRMLVRML authoring tool for designing and furnishing 3D authoring tool for designing and furnishing 3D roomsrooms

PSPadPSPad X3DX3D A free professional editor for X3DA free professional editor for X3D

WireFusionWireFusion X3DX3D professional real-time Web3D solution.professional real-time Web3D solution.

Source EngineSource Engine 3D Game Engine3D Game Engine 3D Engine from Valve Software. Ex 3D Engine from Valve Software. Ex ““HalfLife2HalfLife2””

CryEngineCryEngine 3D Game Engine3D Game Engine 3D Engine from Crytek. Ex: 3D Engine from Crytek. Ex: ““FarcryFarcry””

Doom III EngineDoom III Engine 3D Game Engine3D Game Engine 3D Engine from ID Software. Ex: 3D Engine from ID Software. Ex: “DOOM3”“DOOM3”

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Issues in Virtual WorldIssues in Virtual World Technical issuesTechnical issues

– Synchronization Synchronization

Virtual worlds are often designed to operate across local and wide area Virtual worlds are often designed to operate across local and wide area

networks and for multiple users.networks and for multiple users. • Synchronization loss is caused by delaySynchronization loss is caused by delay• Corrupt “cause-and-effect” relationshipCorrupt “cause-and-effect” relationship

– Solutions Solutions (Under study…)(Under study…)• IndependentIndependent

no concept of synchronization (first-in-first-out order)no concept of synchronization (first-in-first-out order)• ConservativeConservative

keep all of the processes causally linked at all times.keep all of the processes causally linked at all times.• OptimisticOptimistic

each simulation on the network operates as if it is running each simulation on the network operates as if it is running entirely by itselfentirely by itself


Issues in Virtual World (Cont.)Issues in Virtual World (Cont.) Legal issueLegal issue

– Does Virtual Property exist?Does Virtual Property exist?

No:No: • IIt has no physical beingt has no physical being..• it is not the result of the individual's labourit is not the result of the individual's labour..• it does not enhance the welfare of societyit does not enhance the welfare of society

Yes:Yes:• Market existsMarket exists• PPlaying a game laying a game forfor time required to acquire virtual assets must constitute labor time required to acquire virtual assets must constitute labor. .

(Example of Blacksnow)(Example of Blacksnow)• Virtual property can be accepted as welfare enhancing for people who prepare Virtual property can be accepted as welfare enhancing for people who prepare

for and spend money on.for and spend money on.

– Who own the virtual property?Who own the virtual property?• Sever owner, Designer, or Player?Sever owner, Designer, or Player?• Should be governed by End User License Agreements (EULAs)?Should be governed by End User License Agreements (EULAs)?

Documents

Workshop 3: Virtual Worlds for Networking Communities Group 3 Alder Chew Mirna Anaya Jakrapun Vacharachaisurapol Nattaphon Supalasret Maria Andrea Dugtong