How Mobile Devices Popped the Virtual World Bubble

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the decline of 3D virtual worlds in the context of the video game industry, emphasizing their initial promise as the "next big thing." The editorial highlights that while virtual worlds have lost traction, the rise of smartphones equipped with GPS, cameras, and advanced graphics capabilities could revitalize interest in richer virtual environments. However, the current virtual worlds often complicate user interactions, detracting from their appeal compared to simpler communication methods like texting.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of 3D virtual environments and their applications in gaming.
  • Familiarity with smartphone technology, including GPS and motion sensors.
  • Knowledge of user experience design principles in digital communication.
  • Awareness of the evolution of social interaction methods in technology.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the impact of smartphone capabilities on virtual reality applications.
  • Explore user experience design strategies for simplifying interactions in virtual worlds.
  • Investigate the role of social media in shaping communication preferences among users.
  • Examine case studies of successful virtual environments that leverage mobile technology.
USEFUL FOR

Game developers, UX designers, mobile application developers, and anyone interested in the future of virtual environments and social interaction technologies.

Greg Bernhardt
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This is was just a quick post to share a link to an very insightful editorial on the rise and fall of the 3D Web and the virtual revolution. Although it focuses more on virtual worlds as a component of the videogame industry, it definitely captures the way they burst onto the scene as a contender for the “next big thing” only to be overshadowed by services that reduced their appeal to the barest possible component, social interaction.

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Computer science news on Phys.org
Not convinced that virtual worlds won't make it - but on smartphones.
People txt, not because that's the best way of communicating but because it's the lowest common denominator - everybody has text.
When all the kids have smartphones with GPS/cameras/3G/motion sensors then it's not clear that they won't want a richer environment, and the phones/pads now have the CPU+graphics+bandwidth to allow it.

The main problem is that the environment has to add something. Currently all the virtual worlds - except for the games - made things harder. You had to walk into the virtual post office to send an email in one system.
 

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