Introduction to 3D Virtual Worlds

11 September 2009

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Agenda

• Introduction

• History of 3D Web

• The ‘analyst’s’ views

• Where we are today

• Worlds of possibilities

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Terry Thorpe

• Founder of KohdSpace

• Specialist 3D Web Consultancy

• Chartered with multiple Fellowships

• Global Ambassador of AVW

• Ex Unisys, Skipton BS, Coutts, etc.

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History of 3D Web

Second Life 2008Habitat 1985

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History of 3D Web

• Active Worlds 1997

• Second Life 2003

• There 2003

• Multiverse 2007

• Sony Home 2007

• Blue Mars 2009

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Virtual Worlds

Social

Entertainment

Game

Business

3D Chat

Sports

Adult Games

Social Platforms

Branded Worlds

MMORPG

Serious GamesCity Guides

Virtual Worlds

Virtual WorldGenerators

Avatar Centric

Source:FredCavazza.net

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RealXtend

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Twinity

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Mirror Worlds...

Source: Metaverse Roadmap

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Cologne

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Dublin

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Analysts Views

• Gartner predict 80% of active internet users will have a “Second Life” by 2011

• The also have said it has reached the ‘peak’ of hype in education?

• ... and that it will be mainstream in 2010/11

Source: The Gartner Group

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“The Internet is on the cusp of its next major evolution”

Forrester Research recently stated that “The Internet is on the cusp of its next major

evolution”, and urged its clients to start experimenting with 3D Web despite the

infancy of the medium.

Source: Forrester Research

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UBM plans to move into ‘virtual events’

UBM is Listed on the London Stock Exchange. In 2007 or continuing business

generated revenues of over £800m

a leading global media company, with 5,000 staff in more than 30 countries.

The Daily Telegraph - 13 December 2008

and UoD Creative ExchangeSource: The Gartner Group

Source: The Gartner Group

Source: The Gartner Group

2007 let’s say 5-10 years away

Source: The Gartner Group

Source: The Gartner Group

2008 let’s say 2-5 years away

Source: The Gartner Group

Source: The Gartner Group

Source: The Gartner Group

and UoD Creative ExchangeSource: Crossing The Chasm,

G.A.Moore

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On the other hand

“Virtual worlds have become a core technology for our teaching, learning, research and collaboration.”

Source: virtualworldwatch.net

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On the other hand

Investment in Virtual Worlds:

• Oct ’06 - Oct ’07 = $1billion

• Oct ’07 - Mar ’09 = $918million

• ...now rising again

Source: Virtual Worlds Management

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Where are we now?• Let’s say 130 million users

• 75% are 8-25 years old

• Then there is the 550 m social networking users

• “When Worlds Collide!”(be wary of all web statistics)

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What could you do?

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A sense of place

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Exhibitions

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Meetings

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Conferences

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Products and Brand

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Learning environments

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Networking

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Design

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Terraforming

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Recreation

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2012

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Sports

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• death of distance

• the green agenda

• the next big thing

• cost savings

• public relations

Benefits of using 3d web

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Questions on Introduction?