Virtual Worlds
Overview
- A virtual world is an online community that takes the form of a computer-based simulated environment through which users can interact with one another and use and create objects.
- Users create Avatars which act as their representatives in the virtual world
- Captures most forms of human interaction and allow for individuals to experience an alternative world in which to possible live more lavish lives than in the physical world
- Outcompete the physical world in costs and efficiencies which makes them attractive to users
- Unlike Mirror Worlds Virtual worlds are not meant to be reflections of the real world
- Augmented Reality is actually the inverse of virtual worlds. Virtual worlds digitally represent an imagined world. Augmented Reality, on the other hand, places virtual designs upon a real world.
History & Origin
- First, it began with perceptual illusion.
- Then the Sensorama was introduced( a device used to stimulate all 5 senses)
- Virtual reality simulators were the first form of virtual worlds implemented onto computers.
- Maze War was introduced shortly after; first 3D person shooter game ; a variety of its concepts were used in many games to follow.
- The first virtual worlds available on the Internet were online chat rooms which soon developed into MUDs( multi user dungeon; limited graphics and communication through text based commands)
- Prototype online virtual worlds were then created such as The Palace. The very first successful online virtual worlds was Habitat in 1967.
- Then 3D online virtual worlds were created; then child friendly virtual words; and ideas went on leading us to where we are today.
Case Studies
Club Penguin
High Fidelity
Sims 4
EverQuest
Starlight Xperience
Strengths
- Virtual worlds allow disabled and sick individuals to thrive in safe online communities, while providing these individuals with an escape from reality.
- Virtual worlds enable individuals to gain a sense of physical and emotional freedom because →actions in a virtual space are not limited to only those which they can exercise in the real world.
- Interactions with individuals in a virtual world enables an individual to learn a variety of social skills and assimilate these skills to mimic those in real life.
- Virtual worlds poses little to no risks to individuals in a highly realistic setting
Weaknesses
- Virtual worlds encourage anti social behavior by enabling people to live in somewhat of a fantasy.
- The equipment used to run virtual worlds is very expensive and those who can not afford the tech do not experience the benefits.
- Virtual Worlds encourage socially unacceptable behavior due to a lack of laws and rules.
Future of Virtual Worlds
- Virtual Worlds will become more prominent in society
- There are constant pushes towards progressing the technology
- The boundary between the virtual and the real is already quite blurred, this boundary will fade even more over time
- Virtual worlds will evolve well beyond their gaming roots. For better or for worse, virtual worlds will increasingly function as centers of commerce, trade, and business.
- Real world brands will use virtual worlds to prototype, advertise and sell goods.Nike, Mcdonalds, etc.
- An ever-increasing variety of virtual worlds.
- Worlds for a career, for school, games, and talking to family and friends
- With advances in technology, virtual worlds will increasingly become part of everyday life
Further interesting topics on the rise are Life logging and Blockchain
