Yesha Sivan Intro to Virtual Worlds Q2, 2008 Virtual Worlds Intro to Virtual Worlds in Shenkar Dr. Yesha Sivan Shenkar Department of Software Engineering & Metaverse Labs Ltd.

Yesha Sivan Intro to Virtual Worlds Q2, Page The power of the Metaverse (vis-à-vis internet) Source: Yourtube (estimated 1993)

Yesha Sivan Intro to Virtual Worlds Q2, Page The case of virtual worlds: WOW WOW: World of Warcraft –Mutli User game –~15$ a month –Client (not browser) –Over 8.5 million users. Movies: – ?docid= http://video.google.com/videoplay ?docid= –Intro to WOW –Official BURNING CRUSADE TRAILER NEW RACE-- DRAENEI

Yesha Sivan Intro to Virtual Worlds Q2, Page A New kind of player: Second Life Second Life –Free, basic and more accounts (0-500$) –Build stuff –Business on line –First Version of the Metaverse Movie Source:

Yesha Sivan Intro to Virtual Worlds Q2, Page How many users? New Source: Source:

Yesha Sivan Intro to Virtual Worlds Q2, Page Terms ala Google Trends

Yesha Sivan Intro to Virtual Worlds Q2, Page Virtual Worlds Defined: The 3D3C Metaverse A detailed definition of virtual worlds (or “ Metaverse, ” the professional term). A combination of –3D: controllable environment, one can both, zoom, change camera, see with time etc. –Community: it is with real people, people can create groups, there is a system that allow communities to blossom. –Creation: there is a way to build content, services, and stuff. –Commerce: there is an ability to connect real economic value (real money). The goal of the definition allow us to examine our efforts. Source: Sivan, Y., (2008). The 3D3C Metaverse: A new medium is born. In Samuel-Azran, Tal and Caspi, D. New Media and innovative Communication, Ben-Gurion University.

Yesha Sivan Intro to Virtual Worlds Q2, Page The 3D3C as a relative definition Sample Worlds 3D 1- Low 5-high Community 1- Low 5-high Creation 1- Low 5-high Commerce 1- Low 5-high WOW********** IMVU***** Penguin**** Second Life******** HiPiHi******** ***** ?? ActiveWorlds**** (per case) Sony Home*******? Google Earth****?*** (Sketchup) ? More 3D3C  Closer to the vision of the Metaverse.

Yesha Sivan Intro to Virtual Worlds Q2, Page What can be done? Design your own avatar Houses and spaces Jewelry Shopping Models & simulations Art (experience & doing) Movies and Music (experience) Movies and Music (doing) And more …

Yesha Sivan Intro to Virtual Worlds Q2, Page Samples Initial Car Regular Car Virtual Car

Yesha Sivan Intro to Virtual Worlds Q2, Page Initial Car

Yesha Sivan Intro to Virtual Worlds Q2, Page Regular Car

Yesha Sivan Intro to Virtual Worlds Q2, Page Future Car

Yesha Sivan Intro to Virtual Worlds Q2, Page 3D3C Virtual Worlds Supply (Technology)  GPUs  Augmented Reality  New interfaces  3D Engines  Bandwidth Demand (Users)  Younger  ICQ generation  Older  More time  Need to express/engage

Yesha Sivan Intro to Virtual Worlds Q2, Page A Start… of a Disruptive Technology Thank You Blog: Everything we can imagine and things that we can ’ t imagine from the real world will have their in-world counterparts, and it ’ s a wonderful thing because there are many fewer constraints in Second Life than in real life, and it is, potentially at least, extraordinarily empowering You are the pioneers and the founders of this new world, and you have unbelievably great opportunities to put your stamp, to leave a legacy, to create things which will endure and have value. The opportunity to participate in the creation of a new world is really a rare one and so I hope you cherish it. ” –Mitch Kapor, Chair Linden Labs