Metaplace09.16.08 | |
Metaplace lets users explore a variety of virtual worlds through one simple client, allowing users to build and link their own virtual worlds for others to play in.
Basics
Publisher: Areae, Inc.
Launch Date: Still in closed Alpha
Number of registered accounts: Unknown number of alpha testers
Target Audience: All Ages
Cost and subsequent subscription fees: Unknown at this time
General Description: Metaplace is a collection of virtual worlds designed and created by users! Metaplace lets users explore a variety of virtual worlds through one simple client, allowing users to build and link their own virtual worlds for others to play in. Hosting is done by Areae, Inc., so that users can easily and completely build their own spaces. Users can build both social virtual worlds and MMORPGs. Currently Metaplace is in closed Alpha.
Technical
Platform: Web based – ideally any platform that can access the web can use Metaplace
2-D, full 3-D, or other: Currently 2D, however 3D will be implemented later in the production cycle
Special hardware required (upgraded video card, sound card, etc): Unknown
Language availability: English only at this time
Option for authoring (can users create and build?): Metaplace is designed specifically to allow users the opportunity to not only build their own spaces and avatars, but entire worlds for other users to visit.
Design tools available: There is a suite of in-game tools available for users to easy and efficiently build their virtual worlds.
Search (does the world offer a way to search users and/or places?): Not currently, but there will be a search implemented to find users and places. Because users can create their own worlds, the potential for the virtual space to grow exponentially is high, so search must be available for users to find places that match their interests.
Security (is there protection against hacking, identity theft, or theft of IP?): The project is in closed alpha, so no personal information is being shared with the company at this time.
Can the virtual world be accessed through mobile devices: Yes, or any device with web access.
Can the virtual space be accessed offline: No.
Is the world persistent? (Does the world continue when the user logs off): Yes, theoretically. Users will keep playing while you are offline.
Legal & Management
Entry (what personal information is required?): Closed alpha at this time.
Is a free trial account available (if so, what are the account restrictions)? All accounts will be free until a certain world size. Once a world reaches a certain size, depending on how large it is, Areae will begin charging for bandwidth and hosting fees. The fees will be charged in the virtual currency of Metaplace.
Are there age restrictions: No
User Profiles (what do they contain?): Unknown at this time.
Privacy management (protecting personal data, information sharing with other companies): As per privacy policies, no personal information is shared with other companies.
If a premium membership exists, what benefits are there to upgrading? Larger world size available and higher bandwidth.
Can access be restricted to designated groups? Unknown at this time.
Intellectual Property management (who owns users' creative works?): Users own their own creative works, however Areae owns the license on the tech for Metaplace.
Are there in-world moderators: Unknown at this time.
Management of abusive behavior: Unknown at this time.
Virtual Space
Avatar description (are they customizable?): Unknown at this time. Avatars may be designed on a per world basis.
Is in-world property ownership available? All users are able to create their own virtual world for free to a currently unspecified size. Users are able to build as large as they wish, but larger worlds will incur fees.
What are the common meeting spaces (and how many do they accommodate)? Unknown at this time due to closed alpha.
Video or animation capabilities: Unknown, though users should be able to script actions into their worlds and trade scripts and animations with others.
Are there any restrictions on what users can create in their "owned" space? Unknown at this time, although there will be a system where users can report inappropriate content to a moderator.
Example of a prominent corporation present in the virtual world: None currently.
Socialization/Communication
Does the world include in-world instant messaging? Unknown.
Out of world instant messaging? Unknown.
In-game email? Unknown.
Blog space? Unknown.
Screenshot or photo albums? Unknown.
Can other users be blocked or ignored? Unknown, though it is assumed that there is an ignore feature.
Is there language filtering? Unknown.
Economy
Does the virtual world have currency? Yes.
How does the user obtain currency in-world? Unknown.
Can a user convert real world cash to in-world currency? Unknown, though since it has been reported that you can cash-out of the system for real life money, it is assumed that cash will be purchasable to some extent as well.
How does the company assist with in-world trade? (Official commerce sites/auction sites/etc): Unknown.
Does it cost money or currency to upload user created content? Unknown.
Educational Presence
Prominent educational, government and corporate organizations known to be using this product for educational purposes: None
Examples of areas in which instruction is currently offered: None
Are there special privileges for instructors? Not applicable.
Are there virtual classrooms or meeting areas? Not applicable.
Strengths of this product as an educational or learning tool: Not applicable.
Opportunities for Philanthropy
Prominent educational, government and corporate organizations known to be using this product for philanthopic purposes: Unknown
Are there zones or areas reserved for promoting real life issues? Unknown
Do users find the virtual world an appropriate place for philanthropy? Unknown