Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Cyberpunk MMO Otherland launches game preview site]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/cyberpunk-mmo-otherland-launches-game-preview-site/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/cyberpunk-mmo-otherland-launches-game-preview-site/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/06/cyberpunk-mmo-otherland-launches-game-preview-site/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It was only a few months ago when we first got word of a new cyberpunk/VR-themed MMO in development. Otherland is based on the the sci-fi novels of Tad Williams, which deal heavily with the interplay of the virtual and the real. Otherland is being built on the Unreal 3 engine by Singapore-based development studio Real U, a wholly-owned subsidiary of dtp entertainment AG in Germany.

The Otherland information page states the game will release in 2011 for PC, and it could potentially offer some interesting dimensions to MMO gameplay. The site states: "MMO fans can expect a fascinating gameplay experience. Based on the globally successful novels, the Otherland gameplay is distinguished by a unique narrative structure. Rather than retelling the story, players will experience their own individual stories within the Otherland universe and will encounter many of the familiar characters from the books. The game world will change dynamically around them during the course of the game."

Continue reading Cyberpunk MMO Otherland launches game preview site

MassivelyCyberpunk MMO Otherland launches game preview site originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cyberpunkdtp-entertainmentdtp-entertainment-aggermanymmo-industrynew-titlesotherlandreal-usci-fisingaporetad-williamsunreal-3unreal-3-enginevirtual-realityvrMon, 06 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Plans underway to mirror 2010 Youth Olympics in virtual Singapore]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/plans-underway-to-mirror-2010-youth-olympics-in-virtual-singapor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/plans-underway-to-mirror-2010-youth-olympics-in-virtual-singapor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/08/plans-underway-to-mirror-2010-youth-olympics-in-virtual-singapor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


You've never been to Singapore? Just point and click.

Singapore's Media Development Authority have announced plans for a 3D interactive online version of their city, dubbed Co-Space. There's no shortage of interest from potential developers; fifty firms have come forward in answer to the MDA's call for proposals. Although the amount set aside to fund the project hasn't been made public, interactive and digital media are considered 'strategic' to Singapore, with a overall backing of $500 million.

Continue reading Plans underway to mirror 2010 Youth Olympics in virtual Singapore

MassivelyPlans underway to mirror 2010 Youth Olympics in virtual Singapore originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 May 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-spaceeventsMDAmirrormirror-worldsecond-lifesingaporetourismvirtualvirtual-worldsvrThu, 08 May 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Virtual Worlds Help In Addiction Therapy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/virtual-worlds-help-in-addiction-therapy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/virtual-worlds-help-in-addiction-therapy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/05/virtual-worlds-help-in-addiction-therapy/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Virtual worlds are all too often spoken of as something you're in danger of becoming addicted to. We've all heard the stories of inertia, bloat, pallor and unemptied cat trays. But Professor Patrick Bordnick, associate of the University of Houston, is using VR to help treat addictions in the course of therapy.

As Professor Bordnick points out, imagination alone isn't a particularly powerful tool to recreate the situations in which a recovering addict learns to say 'no': 'As a therapist, I can tell you to pretend my office is a bar, and I can ask you to close your eyes and imagine the environment, but you'll know that it's not real'.

Rather than ask the patient to visualise a bar stocked with alcohol or a party where cigarettes are on offer, Bordnick uses a VR helmet along with other components such as olfactory stimulation and actor participation to create a highly plausible and immersive environment. Although the patient consciously knows he is taking part in a VR simulation, the immersion has proven sufficient to build intense cravings, just as if the focus of the addiction had really been present.

By supplying an enviroment that is realistic enough to stimulate cravings but remains controlled and safe, Bordnick can gradually train patients in the use of coping skills. As those skills will have been developed in the face of a close analogue of the real thing, the patient is much better equipped to contend with the challenge of the real-world situation.

MassivelyVirtual Worlds Help In Addiction Therapy originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 05 May 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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