VZSciFi: Background Information
What's it all about, then? What is a virtual community? What's an avatar?

This page is intended as a general guide to VZones and this extension, VZSciFi. You can read the VZSciFi 'mission statement' here. If you can't find what you are looking for here then you might want to try our US site www.vzones.com or email dream@avaterra.com

Introducing Vzones
What are Virtual Zones?
VZones technology allows members from around the world to create their own on-line personas -- called avatars -- and become part of a thriving online virtual community. You can communicate with other avatars in an extensive, populated and colourful world after downloading and installing the VZones software, available free to PC users in the UK. Members are able to personalise their avatars by choosing among various body styles, hundreds of heads, clothes (upper and lower body sprays), and an endless variety of accessories. Your avatar is your online representation: you can be "YOU" inworld or you can create a completely new persona. However you present yourself -- and what part you play in the community -- is up to you!
Each VZone has streets, buildings, parks, and private spaces. VZSciFi includes new planets, alien races and even spacecraft for apartments. The citizens of these virtual communities, each represented by an individual person, spend time in the virtual spaces connecting with others, socialising and shopping, entertaining friends, and taking part in social activities that include events, games, sharing web pages, language lessons, treasure hunts, holiday activities, and virtual weddings.
Dreamscape is the oldest and most established VZone, now in its fifth year of development and is available through subscription from our world site.
VZconnections (formerly Club Connect/New Radio World) is our newest and fastest growing VZone and is where you will be taken once you have joined up through this site. Queery Universe, created exclusively for the gay and lesbian community, is another virtual zone which was built using the VZones technology.
Habitat II in Japan and Glass City in Korea are two other examples of successful, revenue-generating virtual zones developed and managed using the VZones technology. Habitat II and Glass City are available on the web, requiring Kanji and Korean-language operating systems respectively.

What is an avatar?
The Oxford English Dictionary defines the term avatar as having originated from Hindu Mythology; the descent of a deity or released soul to Earth in bodily form.
The term is now often used to describe an icon or other visual representation of a user in a multi user, virtual environment. The word Avatar was popularised in the novel Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson (1992).
In the Virtual Zones an avatar is an electronic representation of a real person, and each person controls an avatar within the virtual zones. These avatars are customisable, graphical and animated characters. They provide people with a wide range of self-expression that is not found in text chat rooms or other online environments, and help encourage a deeper level of real-time interaction between people. Each avatar in Vzones is able to perform six gestures and six expressions.

What makes Avaterra.com different from online chat services?
In a chat room, text is the only means of expression and the only context. In Avaterra's virtual zones, text is just one aspect of a total environment that includes avatar body movements, facial expressions, gestures, objects, and much more. This total environment provides a depth and quality of social exchange and creativity that is much more meaningful than text chat room experiences. For example, an avatar can walk away from people they don't like, smile at their friends, and wave at new people they want to greet.

The Technology

Tell me more about the VZones technology
VZones is a complete set of client/server software technologies and services for creating and managing avatar-based virtual worlds. Avaterra.com uses the VZones technology as the basis of the industry's most successful virtual worlds, including Dreamscape, VZconnections and Queery Universe in the United States, Habitat in Japan, and Glass City in Korea.

What is the history of the VZones technology?
LucasArts & Entertainment developed the predecessor to VZones, which was called Habitat and then WorldsAway. Fujitsu licensed the Habitat software system from LucasArts & Entertainment in 1989, launched the Fujitsu Habitat Service in Japan in 1990, and eventually bought all rights to the technology in 1993. In 1995, Fujitsu released WorldsAway version 1.0, a completely redesigned software system that built on the foundation laid by Habitat.
Since then, Fujitsu's WorldsAway Team launched four commercial virtual world services based on WorldsAway technology both in the U.S. and internationally, as well as several private avatar communities. In May 1999, the WorldsAway group formed its own private company, Avaterra.com, Inc. It uses the next generation, version 2.0 technology, which expands virtual communities from the constraints of proprietary online services by making them accessible to anyone on the Internet with a web browser. Version 3.0 of the client software has now been released for PC users, allowing the user to gain the benefits of web based multimedia running alongside.

From the user's standpoint, how does VZones differ from other virtual world technologies like VRML?
Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML), a standard for creating highly detailed 3D graphical environments is just one part of the total software system required to build a virtual world. VRML does not provide avatar identity or animation tools, objects that can be manipulated, or "chat" capabilities. By itself, VRML simply creates graphics that can be used later in a virtual world. At the present time, there is no large user base for virtual worlds built using VRML technology.
End-user perspective is a key differentiator between VZones and VRML worlds. VRML worlds typically provide a first person perspective in a 3D world. VZones provides a third person perspective in a 2D world with limited depth (avatars and objects can appear "behind" or "in front" of other avatars or objects). Most end users find it much easier to navigate and understand a 2D world than a 3D world. This enables people to focus on interaction and community building rather than trying to figure out their position within a vast, limitless space of a VRML environment.
Another key differenced between VZones and other virtual world technologies is the emphasis on personal presence or the feeling of "being there" with other people. Many virtual world technologies focus the majority of their development efforts on providing detailed 3D graphical environments. By contrast, 60 per cent of Vzones technology supports the animation and expressiveness of avatars, 30 per cent supports the capabilities of interactive objects, and about 10 per cent supports the persistent space created through background graphics. As a result, the emphasis in each virtual zone is on making connections with people through deep, rich social interactions.

What are the key features of Avaterra's avatars and virtual zones?
Our innovative features were designed specifically to foster expressive person-to-person interaction, which in turn supports the formation of a cohesive community.
• Unique Identities: Through customisable avatars, VZones technology makes it easy to create and support an infinite variety of avatars, with different bodies and heads.
• Nonverbal Communication: Avaterra's avatars are visual, colourful, and animated, delivering a whole new dimension to the online experience. Each avatar has four different facial expressions, five gestures, and three styles of movement.
• Third Person Viewpoint: Unlike virtual world systems utilising VRML, VZones allows people to see themselves in the same physical space as those they are interacting with, making communication easier and contributing to a stronger feeling of belonging.
• Virtual Objects: VZones enables a wide variety of objects that people can obtain and own within a virtual world. Objects enhance an avatar's identity and add realism to the overall experience.
• Internal Economy: There is a token system in place where each avatar accumulates for each hour spent per session. VZones allows for a thriving internal economy, in which members can buy and sell virtual objects with the tokens they earn.
• Persistent Sense of Place: Each time an avatar logs into a Vzones, they enter in exactly the same place they logged off. The persistence of all elements mentioned above creates a strong sense of continuity for the user from visit to visit. As in real life, persistence and continuity help bond people together, which in turn creates community.

What is Dreamscape?
Several established Avaterra virtual worlds are now available on the Internet and may be accessed by anyone with an Internet connection and web browser. Active since 1995, Dreamscape is the industry's most successful avatar community. Originally introduced through the CompuServe online service, Dreamscape draws active, loyal members from around the world, with particularly large groups in Europe. Due to its global following, there are significant numbers of people in Dreamscape 24 hours a day.
Most people find Dreamscape as an easy, non-threatening way to meet new people. Newcomers are welcomed into conversations within minutes of entering the world, making it more inviting than text chat on the Internet or online services. This may be one reason why women are so attracted to Dreamscape. 40 per cent of Dreamscape members are women -- a proportion far higher than the average online service. Unlike other virtual worlds, Dreamscape boasts an extremely strong community. Dreamscape members have created their own ceremonies, newspapers, and holidays. They built a vibrant token-based economy, which has made many members very wealthy within Dreamscape. Members can choose from a wide range of daily activities, from simply meeting people and building friendships, to attending parties and events, playing games, creating art, and shopping for objects.
Dreamscape is available through subscription at www.vzones.com

What is VZconnections?
Formerly called Club Connect and New Radio World, VZconnections is the first VZone to open its doors to the public with commercial partners like Delphi, XOOM, and NetNoir. It is a collection of virtual cities which currently includes Seattle, Phoenix, Honolulu, Detroit, London and VZSciFi. Relax in parks, play games, go shopping, hang out with DJ's, and meet people from all walks of life! Think of it as a hub of activity and the portal to all other VZones!
The zone includes customised areas built for fostering communities for online partners which include: Demon, Delphi, XOOM, NetNoir, Computer Currents, Astrology.net, Psychic Love Doctor, and Mind, Body & Soul.

How much does it cost?
VZones is a subscriptions only service for Mac and PC users. For the latest rates, please visit our main site: www.vzones.com

How long does it take to download the software?
The connectoid software is a little under two megabytes and will take about five minutes to download on a 56kps modem.

How many current members are there?
170,000 and growing fast!

What is planned for the future?
Vzones is being developed all the time with new commercial partners and community developments on the way, including extensions to VZSciFi.

How can I find out more?
If you would like to be added to the VZSciFi Mailing List please send a request via vzscifimailinglist@avaterra.com.

Additional Developments
How do I publish my own Web Pages?
You will soon be able trohave your own web site on the VZSciFi server to house your personal pages.

How do I give feedback?
The best place to give feedback on any aspects of VirtualZones is to the use the forums at: http://www.delphi.com/vzones/start/

Who are Archivist Shiren of the T’Chell and Stig Redfin of the Ukrann?
Two regular zoners, follow their stories via this web site and look out for them in VZSciFi.

Technical Matters
I am having trouble connecting to the zones, what might be wrong?
The first thing to do is check you are entering your username and password correctly. Make sure to enter it exactly as it was given to you, the same characters, spaces and case. If you still can't gain access then it is possible that the world server is down for routine maintenance and should be available again shortly. For more details on down time please see www.vzones.com

Do I need a really fast computer?
Version 3.0 of the client software is a little more demanding on resources than previous versions.
Minimum Requirements: Pentium 90 Suggested: Pentium 200 Recommended System Software: Windows 98 Supported: Windows NT/2000 Minimum Supported: Windows 95. VZones is a 32 bit application and will run as-is on Windows 95 or Windows NT. To run 32 bit applications on earlier Windows versions (3.1 or 3.11) you must install the Win32s DLLs.
RAM Requirement: 64 MB or more Minimum: 32 MB Hard Drive: 100 MB during installation, 100 MB minimum installed Display: Recommended resolution: 1024*768
Minimum resolution: 800*600, 256 colours Modem: 14,400 baud Hayes compatible or faster TCP: Winsock compliant
Recommended Web Browsers: Netscape Navigator 3.0 or later Supported: Netscape Navigator 2.0 or later; Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.0 for Windows 95or later (32 bit versions). Note: Microsoft Internet Explorer for Windows 3.11 (16 bit versions) does not have browser features required for VZones to perform in world web links or Web Touring, either leading or following.

Can I connect using my Mac?
Minimum requirements: Power PC, or Performa 575 and better running OS 7.1 or above with eight MB RAM with If you are running VZones on a Macintosh with less than 12M of real RAM we recommend that you turn on virtual memory in the Memory Control Panel. Apple recommends setting Virtual Memory to a size no greater than 150 per cent of the physical RAM in your computer. 8 MB RAM + 12 MB VM = 20 MB total.
Hard Drive: 18 MB free. Less than 18 MB of Hard Drive space is required to download the VZones Installer and install the VZones software.
Display: 256 colours. Modem: 9600 baud Hayes compatible or faster TCP: MacTCP or Open Transport
Recommended Web Browsers: Netscape Navigator for Macintosh 3.0 or later; Microsoft Internet Explorer for Macintosh 3.0 or later. Supported: Netscape Navigator for Macintosh 2.0 or later Microsoft Internet Explorer for Macintosh 2.1 or later.
Web browsers other than the listed supported web browsers may not function properly with the VZones client.

I am having trouble working the controls, how can I get help?
The best thing to do when you first go in world is to play around with the controls and get used to them. They are straightforward to use and you can't do any harm by experimenting. If you can't get the hang of it then just ask a friendly avatar to show you the ropes, you may make your first friend this way!

Additional VZones Information Pages on this web site:

• VZSciFi FAQ
• VZones Glossary
• VZSciFi Mission Statement
• VZones Security Guidelines
• VZones Privacy Policy
• VZSciFi Events Page
• Letters to VZSciFi

External Links

• Scififanatic.com VZones Resource Page: Go

• Find out the early history of VZones: Go


VZSciFi FAQ Last Updated: 27 October 2000. © 2000 Avaterra.com.