Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 4.20
Screen grab from OpenSim demonstrating in the virtual space an example of gravitational contrast and
its psychological impact in 3D design.
are ways that social contrast can be manipulated within an environment. With the addition of pathways and
obstacles, meeting circles, and hidden cul-de-sacs, you create an environment that energizes social contrast
for your visitors. The creation of designed social contrast within the space gives your visitors an interestingly
complex environment that stimulates social contact and that invites them to return frequently. The most
popular spots found in a virtual world are plaza meeting areas and sandboxes. Figure 4.21 has an image of the
world map from Second Life showing regional areas. The current avatar population of the region is indicated
with dots (shown green on the world map of the client viewer) and a number next to the name of the region
(e.g., Mauve (23)). The avatars in this area maintain a steady visitor density, even though they come and go,
implying that this is a “home base” or log-in area for most of them. Notice how it compares with the vast
emptiness of the surrounding regions. Successful use of social contrast in 3D design would include a popular
meeting area in any region as well as an area encouraging solitude.
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aming
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In addition to social contrast, the quality of gaming contrast (game-like vs. work-like) can deeply affect
how the visitor views and behaves in your virtual environment. For instance, Figure 4.22 provides an
image of Jopsy Pendragon's Particle Lab in Second Life, where visitors can learn how to create and script
objects that emit particles. This region is illed with games and toys, such as a Ferris wheel, hot air balloons,
gondolas, trains, and a giant whale mouth that you enter for a tour. The whole place resonates with the
message of “learning is fun.” On the work-like end of the gaming contrast scale, you will ind the kind of
informational displays with a structured virtual interface. Often, they are attractive buildings with many
signs and displays in them, but the message is more like “Welcome to our virtual corporate environment; let
us give you the information you seek.” Each type of environment has its place, and once you have established
