Every week, we feature the top stories from the surging online/virtual world space from Gamasutra sister site
WorldsInMotion.biz.
This week's notable items in the space include Cartoon Network New Media launching
Mini Match, GamesCampus hosting the North American beta for Square Enix MMORPG
Concerto Gate, and our in-depth tour of Build-A-Bear Workshop's virtual world,
Build-A-Bearville.
Cartoon Network Launches Mini Match
"Cartoon Network New Media, cable television channel Cartoon Network's online publishing division, has announced
Mini Match, a new 3D virtual world focusing on multiplayer match-ups and social gaming."
GamesCampus Hosts Concerto Gate Beta
"From July 1 to 14, online game portal Gamescampus.com will host a closed beta test for MMORPG
Concerto Gate, preparing for the Square Enix-produced game's North American release."
Worlds In Motion's Online World Atlas: Build-A-Bearville
"
Build-A-Bearville is experienced on the web through a combination of html and Flash. It requires no installation, other than of the technology (if you don't have it installed already.) Navigation and gameplay are accomplished via mouse and keyboard input."
RES To Launch Tootsville.com, Plush Toys
"The plush elephant toys, or "toots," can hook up to PCs via USB, enabling children to register and create an online version of the toy in the
Tootsville.com virtual world, similar to
Disney's Club Penguin and Ganz's
Webkinz franchises. Once logged in, users can decorate their virtual homes, play games, listen to songs, and chat with friends."
Knowledge Adventure Bringing Jumpstart Online Late July
"Once the online component has been made available, users will be able to interact with one another in JumpStart's 3D virtual world, going on adventures, completing missions, earning rewards, and learning. Subscribers will also be able to explore the learning tools, move from level to level without having to buy new software, download new and updated content, and more."
CIGNA Creating Virtual Health Care Community In SL
"Health service organization CIGNA HealthCare has announced the development of a 3D virtual health care community in the form of a Second Life island. The project hopes to provide visitors with seminars, interactive displays, educational games, and virtual health consultations to help foster help foster real and sustainable behavior change that improves health."
ConAgra Launches Slim Jim Virtual World
"Slim Jim fans can challenge others in "real-time rumbles" and vandalize the digital Spicy Town, breaking mailboxes and spray painting walls. They can also collect hidden hidden Slim Jim snacks to unlock fighting moves and harass the virtual world's residents."
Interested parties can read daily news on the online/virtual worlds space at
the WorldsInMotion.biz weblog, with a second Worlds In Motion Summit planned for
September's Austin GDC event.
