Multiverse Network Unveils Prototype Games and Virtual Worlds

The Multiverse Network, Inc., a company building the world's leading network of massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs) and 3D virtual worlds, at GDC last week demonstrated for the first time six prototype games and worlds built by independent development teams on the Multiverse Platform. Since December 2005, over 9,000 developers, ranging from garage teams to Fortune 100 companies to Hollywood legends, have registered to use the Multiverse Platform. In addition, more than one hundred pre-qualified customers have already begun building MMOGs and non-game virtual worlds with the Multiverse Platform. Presently in beta, Multiverse will release version 1.0 of its platform later this year. During the conference, Multiverse demonstrated the following projects currently in development by a range of unique teams, including university-led groups, a professional game development studio and small team efforts:

The Synthetic Worlds Initiative -- Arden: Indiana University's Dr. Edward Castronova is leading The Synthetic Worlds Initiative to construct Arden, a synthetic world based on the characters, plots and themes of William Shakespeare. In constructing this world, the team has called upon experts from a variety of disciplines, including history, political science, economics, psychology, fine arts, computer science and law. When complete, the world will consist of geographically accurate topography, period music and spoken dialogue performed by trained artists, historically accurate art models and an economic system.

Max Gaming Technologies -- Dark Horizons: An established independent game studio with several single and multiplayer titles already released, Max Gaming is creating an MMOG based on its successful Dark Horizons science-fiction property. The game, which will be massive and instanced, will contain a player-driven economy and political system, a learning-based skill system and a fast action combat system.

Doomsberg Entertainment -- Forgotten Legends: Doomsberg Entertainment is a young and energetic team of gamers-turned-game-creators who met through the Multiverse developer community. Their next-generation fantasy world includes a skill and power-based leveling system that will enable players to improve their characters through a wide range of innovative game play, without the need to "grind."

Wardog Studios -- Force of Arms: With the Multiverse Platform, this team of dedicated and talented developers, with non-traditional game design backgrounds, is now able to realize their dream of entering the video game industry. Force of Arms, which uses the award-winning Hero System(TM) role-playing system, is a futuristic mech-based game that includes innovative use of mixed media.

Mars Colonization Authority: An educational MMOG designed to teach science, technology, engineering and math to junior and high school students, Mars Colonization Authority is designed around the near-future space exploration and colonization of the planet Mars. Its gameplay will focus on exploration, problem-solving and traditional questing.

Georgia Institute of Technology's Emergent Game Group -- Mermaids: Under the direction of Dr. Celia Pearce, Mermaids is an underwater virtual world designed to let visitors explore rich and vibrant ocean ecology. The team has also pioneered a gesture-based interface that enables players to interact with the world and other players in a unique manner.