A new tool that allows users to create their own virtual world has been launched, where anybody can create virtual worlds that can be used cross-platform, with no knowledge of difficult computer languages.
The new tool called Metaplace, was developed by Ralph Koster, who helped build Ultima Online.
Koster says the motivation behind building Metaplace was he felt the tremendous potential of virtual worlds isn't being tapped because of the enormous costs associated with building them from scratch.
He added that costs also inhibit developers from pushing the boundaries of the space, and hopes the new tool will help to overcome that.
"We want to see 10,000 virtual worlds so that lots of wild and crazy stuff gets made because that is the only way it will advance as a medium," said Koster.
The prohibitive costs has made the industry conservative in Kosters' estimation, because developers are concerned when given huge budgets that they don't make big mistakes. Again, he hopes his new tool will solve that problem and a ton of creativity emerges from the technology.
For those more skilled users, you can build a customized world from scratch using the tool's programming language called metamarkup.
Those with no programming background will have a graphical interface at their disposal, and can choose from a variety of templates to build from. Users will also be able to clone worlds created by other users of the technology. That may be a drawback for those always looking for ways to monetize what they're creating, as it could turn into a commodity.
When a world is created, it will be assigned its own web page within the Metaplace website. You will also have a forum, wiki and a number of other community tools available with each world or page created.
Worlds developed can also be embedded in any blog or social networking profile or page as well, being based on standard Internet technology. You can also have your world on any device, as the language used can be used across any platform.
"We modelled this on the web," said Koster. "You can think about each world being a webpage and every object within in it is a link."
The program is in beta now, and will be available for use sometime in the spring of 2008.
Other Resources:
Koster's Areae Unveils Metaplace
Metaplace Unveiled: Raph Koster Brings Virtual World To The Web
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