Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
“In the Know” about Virtual Environments from a Design Perspective
OpenSim
Terrain
Terrain height maps can be created
in .gif, .jpg, (grayscale) .png, and
.raw file formats by utilizing paint
programs and terrain generators
like Terragen, and L3DT.
Terrain can be altered with
inworld tools and with server
commands.
Inventory Backups
Avatar inventory can be backed
up as an IAR (OpenSimulator
Inventory Archives) file by using
server commands.
The contents on a sim can be
backed up as an OAR
(OpenSimulator Archives) file by
using server commands.
Content
The availability of good,
pre-made content is growing,
and “metaversal” marketplaces
are being opened.
Unity
Terrain
Terrain can be loaded with a
gray scale file in the .raw format.
Terrain can be altered with the
terrain editing tools provided in
the game engine.
Inventory Backups
Aside from the content you have
stored on your computer for
building the virtual environment,
there may be a need to create an
inventory for the player
character to move across levels
within the context of the game.
There more information about
this available in the Unity forums.
Content
Importation of mesh content is
completely supported from a
variety of 3D modelers, and there
is a growing Asset Store.
Second Life
Terrain
Terrain is created and altered
by loading in 13 channel .raw
file SL format through the viewer,
or by using the Land Tools in
the Build menu.
Inventory Backups
Can store copies of your fully
owned inventory content in a
box on land, or within the
inventory of an alternate avatar.
Backup of entire sims is
not offered as an option.
Content
Large amount of excellent
pre-made content available in
Second Life Marketplace,
as well as inworld shopping.
Choose the virual environment that has best "access" for your design needs
FIGURE 1.4
A diagram comparing some of the key features of 3 popular online virtual environments available for
a designer to utilize. Two of them, OpenSim and Unity, are free to download and use. Second Life charges fees for
membership and land usage.
