What will be the killer app for virtual worlds? VisiCalc defined the term killer app and kicked off the personal computer industry, will there be a similar program for virtual worlds?

That’s really what all of us in the virtual world industry are striving for, to find the next VisiCalc. The killer app takes what was more a hobby and brings it to a mainstream audience. The web browser was the killer app for the Internet. If we draw parallels between the virtual worlds industry and that of early personal computers we seem to be at the same point where VisiCalc appeared on the scene. Early personal computers like the Altair 8800 didn’t even have a mouse or keyboard, let alone a monitor. Enthusiasts though took these early machines and evolved them into computers that we would recognize today with mouse, monitor, hard drive, etc. With the explosion of virtual worlds in the last few years I would say that the virtual worlds industry is in a similar spot. All the pieces are there – rich graphics, little if any lag, easy to no installs, etc. But like early personal computers of this time, they had yet to attract a mainstream audience. The question then was simple – what do I do with a personal computer? Sure you could play games on them, but why not just buy an Atari 2600? There were early word processors but printers were extremely expensive and people already had typewriters. Then came VisiCalc. Never before could accountants and everyone manipulate numbers, balance sheets, etc. VisiCalc didn’t necessarily change the personal computer, but it brought its capabilities to the mainstream.

Virtual worlds today face a similar situation before VisiCalc appeared. The question now is, “What do I do with a virtual world?” We in the virtual worlds industry, like those in the early personal computer industry can see the endless potential but need to get it to the mainstream – we need the killer app.

Some have purposed to have already discovered the killer app for virtual worlds. Jotting down a short list:

1. Virtual economies
2. Games
3. 3D chat
4. User generated content
5. Mix of offline and online (a la Webkinz)

I’m probably forgetting some but that isn’t hard when I don’t believe any has yet to attract a mainstream audience. Then again perhaps one of these are the killer app and it will simply take some time to play out. What are your thoughts, what will be the killer app for virtual worlds?

Hi all,

We have an exciting update for 3D content creators who want to change 3D on the web. Vivaty is launching Vivaty Create, our pilot phase of our new developer program. We’re beginning to open our platform to outside developers, meaning everyone can now create content for Vivaty Scenes. Whether you use Max, Maya, Google Sketchup, or any other tool that exports to COLLADA , you can now send us your content for Vivaty’s platform, win cash, and share your ideas on how our developer program can best work for you.

Opening a platform to creators (some with years and years of experience) has to be done with your input, so we’ve started getting feedback and we’d love yours. There are three ways to get involved with us right now.

Send us feedback – Feedback on what? On a number of issues, such as: What types of content do you want to create? How should we best mesh your art with Vivaty-created art? How should we import and publish content? And, eventually, how should we plan for a virtual economy? As one of the first creators involved, your voice will likely be heard more loudly than others. Please help us by taking this short survey and feel free to email additional feedback.

Submit your 3D scenes and objects – We figure the best way to start a dialog is to open the floodgates and ask for your content. We *know* you can come up with great scenes and objects for Vivaty Scenes – we’re specifically looking for whimsy, variety, eclectic themes, and a new take on 3D on the web. Read more about our submission guidelines.

Win – To reward our top creators, we’ll choose 24 winners (one of whom will get $1,000 in cash toward a trip to meet our team in the San Francisco Bay Area) and select participants will also be featured on the Vivaty platform, showing off their designs to thousands of Vivaty users. Read more about the submission details and prizes.

Can’t wait to hear what you have to say and see what you create. Post a comment here or send us your thoughts at developers [at] vivaty [dot] com.

Thanks!

Mark Hull
VP Product

Hi everyone!

Well, it’s been quite a whirlwind these last couple weeks! First, we burned the midnight oil turning on the public beta of Vivaty Scenes in Facebook. We also launched a branded version of Vivaty Scenes for a big partner that I think is really a great showcase of branded content. We also launched an upgraded version of Vivaty Scenes in AIM.

As part of that release, there were a whole slew of new things. Here are just a handful (the feature list contained 21 new improvements and features!):

·         Great new content: New scene templates, and cool things to put in your scenes! Try out the BFF Frame and explore the new Beach Cabana!

·         Moods: Now you can demonstrate that pouty lip when your virtual girlfriend shows you the hand.

·         Facebook Notifications: There are a whole slew of new notifications you can send to your friends when you do things in your scene. This way, your friends can keep up with all your great changes, and know when to come check it out.

·         Invitations: During our private beta, you couldn’t add your buddies. Now, all your friends who have Vivaty will automatically show up in your Friends List. Additionally, you can now easily invite anyone to add Vivaty Scenes and create their own.

·         Better Sharing: We know it’s hard on some services to tell your friends to check out your place, and for them to figure out and find where that is. That’s why with our latest release, we turned on scene linking. All you have to do is copy the URL in your browser of your scene and paste it in an IM or email and your friend can come check out your pad. Heck, try it by checking out my scene here.

While we’re thrilled to bring these to you, we’re even more excited about what’s on the way. Let me tell you a little secret – you’re going to be seeing more frequent releases of new features and improvements. So if you love being the first person with the inside scoop, make sure to make daily visits into Vivaty and this blog to stay up to date! 

 On the immediate horizon: Firefox support! We know there are many Firefox fans, and we will bring you Vivaty Scenes in Firefox soon. (Btw, if you can’t wait that long, you can also use the IE Plugin for Firefox to give Vivaty a shot without leaving Firefox — you can see a snapshot of my Vivaty scene running in Firefox using the plugin.) We also have a great new feature coming out in a couple weeks to make the experience even more fun and social! And wait until you see the little friend you can soon adopt into your scenes.  

Thanks, and see you soon!

Mark Hull
VP Product

The Vivaty crew takes on all laser-tag comers