virtual world
Let an agent explain virtual worlds and their kinds, relay technology, platforms and social research from computing and social science sources with attribution, describe mixed reality and proximity chat as the registry aliases name them, and distinguish virtual worlds from video games in general, virtual reality as a technology and fictional worlds.
Research draft, second pass
A second pass drafted this model: the structure a model of this thing needs, and what is known about it in the world. The line under this one says how the second half was obtained - researched against sources, or recalled without web access, in which case nothing here was read anywhere and every claim is a lead to verify. Unreviewed either way.
written by Claude from model knowledge without web access - no source was read, every claim is a lead to verify
Researched by: Claude
Purpose and description
Let an agent explain virtual worlds and their kinds, relay technology, platforms and social research from computing and social science sources with attribution, describe mixed reality and proximity chat as the registry aliases name them, and distinguish virtual worlds from video games in general, virtual reality as a technology and fictional worlds.
A computer-simulated environment in which users, often represented by avatars, interact with each other and with the environment in real time, from text and graphical worlds such as Second Life and game worlds to social virtual reality platforms such as Mozilla Hubs with proximity chat, historical formats such as Adobe Atmosphere worlds, and mixed and visuo-haptic reality that blends virtual and physical space; virtual worlds are studied in computing, social science and design and are related to the idea of the metaverse and multiverse.
What it is for: Shared simulated environments for interaction.
It can be explain kinds and technology; relay platforms and research; describe mixed reality; distinguish related concepts.
Distinguishing features
Persistent and shared
Avatars and interaction
Social and economic life
Blends with mixed reality
What it looks like
Not a visible object; a simulated environment on screen or headset.
Physical character
Second Life launched: 2003 year
Mozilla Hubs: 2018-2024 period - Mozilla operation
Adobe Atmosphere: 2001-2004 period
How it is recognised
Shared simulated environment with avatars
Second Life, Mozilla Hubs, proximity chat, Adobe Atmosphere, mixed reality, multiverse
Video games need not be persistent; VR is a display technology; fictional worlds are narrative settings
Related models
is a kind of - in registry terms
is a kind of - in registry terms
is related to - as a vision of connected worlds
is contrasted with - which need not be persistent
In practice
Families and kinds
text-based worlds such as MUDs
graphical social worlds such as Second Life
massively multiplayer game worlds
social VR platforms such as Mozilla Hubs and VRChat
historical formats such as Adobe Atmosphere
mixed and visuo-haptic reality environments
Standards and regulation
Content moderation and safety rules of platforms
Data protection and child safety laws
Standards such as WebXR and glTF
Failure modes and hazards
Harassment and safety issues
Platform shutdowns and data loss
Registry aliases mixing platforms, features and concepts
Also called
Where this came from
wikidata · CC0 1.0
Drafted structure
Bundle to layer to finding to question, as the second pass will find it: 4 bundles · 8 layers · 8 findings · 16 questions.
Understand What a virtual world is.
Definition.
Definition
Definition.
Definition
Definition.
- What is a virtual world, and how does it differ from a video game, virtual reality and a fictional world? definition
- Is the question about the concept, a platform, technology or social issues? boundary
Kinds
Kinds and platforms.
Kinds
Kinds.
- What are Second Life, Mozilla Hubs, Adobe Atmosphere worlds, proximity chat and mixed reality? definition
- Which entry fits the specific platform? action
Technology Technology.
Science.
Architecture
Architecture.
Architecture
Architecture.
- How are virtual worlds built, from servers and avatars to WebXR and haptics? provenance
- Which references are standard? provenance
Mixed
Mixed reality.
Mixed
Mixed.
- What are mixed and visuo-haptic mixed reality, and how do they blend virtual and physical space? provenance
- Which sources are cited? provenance
Society Social life.
Attribution.
Research
Social research.
Research
Research.
- What does research say about identity, community and economy in virtual worlds, with findings attributed? provenance
- Which entry fits virtual community? action
Safety
Safety and governance.
Safety
Safety.
- How are harassment, moderation and child safety handled, with positions attributed? provenance
- Is the presentation neutral? boundary
Context History and future.
Context.
History
History.
History
History.
- How did virtual worlds develop from MUDs and Habitat to Second Life and social VR? provenance
- Which entry fits the history of virtual worlds? action
Future
Metaverse debates.
Future
Future.
- What are the metaverse and multiverse visions, and what do critics say, with positions attributed? provenance
- Which entry fits metaverse? action
What the second pass must settle
- Should social VR, mixed reality and metaverse be separate primary entries?
- How should computing and social science sources be linked?
- The registry entry has merged aliases naming platforms, a file format and concepts; should they be split off?