By Paul Philleo
MPOGD recently took a look at
the fascinating online cosmos known as
Entropia Universe just
after the Consumer Electronics Show in January. Fast forwarding to the Game
Developers Conference, we decided to stop for a chat with John Bates, the
Business Development and Strategic Marketing at MindArk’s Entropia Universe, to
check on the latest updates from this rapidly evolving and growing virtual
world.
Creative Kingdom (CKI), an
international architectural firm behind several spectacular themed resorts and
hotels, is pairing up with the Thai government in creating a massive $7 billion
multimedia and IT complex called “Cyber City”. Before that monumental complex
ever sees the light of day, a vision of CKI’s finished project will set sail
online within Entropia as a dedicated planet, complete with a virtual world
economy that’s been the signature feature of Entropia since its launch. “CKI is
the first confirmed group we have working with us who are from a completely
creative background,” Bates added. “We’re as interested as anyone else to see
how they use their architectural and creative skills in building a planet from
the ground up.”
Bates also excitedly shared a glimpse inside other strategies MindArk is taking,
when it comes to tying together the “blank slate” potential of their planets
with real-world branded properties. In late January, they attended the Future TV
Conference, populated by executives, entrepreneurs and deal-makers in the
television, cable and broadband industries. MindArk walked away with several
major discussions opened with potential partners in the field. Wandering into
the realm of speculation, can you imagine an ESPN virtual world, or maybe a
National Geographic Channel virtualized online?
Within the core of the Entropia Universe, a number of changes are still
unfolding on the main planet of Calypso. One specific feature that was covered
was the make-up system which opens the door to extensive character
customization. It is proceeding well, even surprising creators at how much
uniqueness users are milking from the system. Face painting, tattoos, and even
subtle scars are being created to distinguish one otherwise identical avatar
from another.
It seems at every major event Entropia Universe has the occasion to announce a
new planet, bringing new brick-and-mortar brands into the digital space, and
continuing to grow beyond the relatively humble beginnings of Calypso. While
this is the second time MindArk has made a significant news announcement this
year, it’s somehow unlikely to be the last. MPOGD will keep you posted on other
news and updates from the interesting virtual world.
|
