Twinity
| Twinity | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Studio | Metaverse |
| Publisher |
Metaverse ExitReality |
| Erstveröffent- lichung |
September 2008 |
| platform | Windows |
| genre | Massive multiplayer online game |
| medium | Download |
| language | multilingual, including German and English |
Twinity is the first three-dimensional virtual world that replicates real cities to scale. Twinity has been developed and operated by Metaversum GmbH in Berlin since 2006. There are currently over 500,000 registered users worldwide who can meet in the virtual cities of Berlin , Singapore , London , Miami , and New York . The members - also called Twinizens - have the opportunity to design a realistic avatar with which they can explore the virtual world, chat with friends or trade in virtual real estate and products. The open beta test phase began in September 2008 with the opening of virtual Berlin.
Basics
The virtual world Twinity exists on a server farm operated by Metaversum . The users enter the world with the help of a free client software. In the world, users can design their own avatar and apartment and get in touch with other residents of the world. Different people, but also companies and institutions from all over the world can communicate with one another. In addition, users can sell each other virtual goods, such as furniture or clothing, or services such as language courses. Communication takes place in public or private chat .
Differences to other virtual worlds
Similar to Second Life , Twinity is also a virtual world without a gaming background, in contrast to online games such as World of Warcraft . In both Twinity and Second Life, users are therefore not forced to assume a different role. In contrast to Second Life, the users do not act in a virtual fantasy world , but in true-to-scale 3D cities. Unlike other 3D model cities on the Internet, such as Google Earth , in Twinity's virtual cities you can stroll or go shopping or buy an apartment with a real address (e.g. Unter den Linden 1, Berlin). Twinity is thus so far the only virtual world that provides populated 3D model cities. In addition, Twinity is linked - as far as possible - with the real world, for example through a day-night rhythm , a weather function or realistic addresses. Similar to Facebook , users appear under their real names.
content
social network
The focus of Twinity is on the social contact between the participants. The Twinizens can chat with each other, as a couple or in a group, send messages and upload photos. In addition, users can integrate other media into the world, such as pictures, YouTube films or web radios. The Twinizens can get together to form individual groups, e.g. B. To play games or organize parties.
Economic system
Users can build their own apartments, shops and clubs in the cities. To do this, they purchase furniture and other virtual objects in virtual shops or upload their own 3D models . Commercial members are allowed to resell such seats for real money. The virtual products and real estate are paid for with the virtual currency . The currency is called "Globals" and can be bought at the rate of 90 Globals = 1 Euro . You don't need any money to stay in the virtual world. However, globals are required to trade in goods and services. Members can also earn virtual money in Twinity. For example, via the sale of virtual goods, via the rental of virtual items or via participation in games (e.g. roulette, quiz game) in the world.
Graphic design
Cities
Twinity recreates real cities true to the original. Berlin was the first virtual city to start the open beta phase in September 2008. Over 50,000 buildings have been recreated for the virtual capital, including famous sights such as the Brandenburg Gate and the TV tower on Alexanderplatz . Virtual Singapore was opened in August 2009 , initially with the area around Orchad Road. A few months later, in December 2009, virtual London went online. In virtual London are u. a. the Buckingham Palace and Piccadilly Circus to see. In 2010 Twinity expanded into the United States, in July the virtual Miami opened, in October New York City .
Real context
In order to make the virtual world as real as possible, the Twinity developers built in a natural day-night rhythm , i.e. H. while it is already dark in Europe , the sun is still shining in the United States .
In addition, the Twinity members can design their avatar according to their own body measurements and face shape. To do this, they can upload a passport photo from which the head of the avatar is automatically modeled, making it look very similar to the user.
technology
Engine
Twinity uses the latest 3D technology based on the BigWorld engine to deliver high graphic quality. These include mirrors, normal maps, environment maps, screen space ambient occlusion and glow shader effects. Twinity cities are based on 3D cartography data from Tele Atlas . B. can also be used in navigation devices and Google Earth .
Content pipeline
A significant part of the Twinity content is user-created. Premium members can create 3D objects, clothes, floor plans and animations and upload them with the Twinity Client. Twinity supports the open Collada format, so that all common 3D modeling tools such as Google Sketchup , Blender , Autodesk 3ds Max or Autodesk Maya can be used to create 3D models.
Investors
Metaversum, founded in June 2006, was initially financed by leading venture capital firms such as Grazia Equity GmbH and Balderton Capital. In addition, Metaversum has received funds from BC Brandenburg Capital GmbH, BFB BeiteiligungsFonds Brandenburg GmbH and KfW.
Web links
Individual evidence
- ↑ Alexandra Maschewski: The double Berlin . Berliner Morgenpost. September 6, 2008. Retrieved March 5, 2011.
- ↑ Andrew Peters: Virtual Singapore now open in Twinity . August 4, 2009. Archived from the original on August 15, 2012. Retrieved March 5, 2011.
- ^ Steve O'Hear: Twinity's virtual London opens for business . December 7, 2009. Retrieved March 5, 2011.
- ↑ Pierre Corell: Twinity opens Virtual Miami . July 30, 2010. Retrieved March 5, 2011.
- ↑ Tagesspiegel: Berlin is going virtual with Twinity . July 11, 2008. Retrieved March 5, 2011.
- ↑ Ernst Felicitas: Capital in the network . January 14, 2010. Archived from the original on May 31, 2010. Retrieved March 5, 2011.
- ↑ Second chance for Second Life . October 19, 2009. Retrieved March 5, 2011.
- ↑ Armin Fuhrer: Second Life from Germany . September 5, 2008. Retrieved March 5, 2011.
- ^ Bob Sutor: First impressions: Twinity virtual world . February 7, 2010. Retrieved March 5, 2011.
- ↑ Axel Postinett: Hackescher Markt and Unter den Linden sold out . July 7, 2009. Retrieved March 5, 2011.