VWF Europe Insight: Papermint - A Social Networking Virtual World Options

[Aziphirael]

One of the interesting highlights at the Virtual Worlds Forum was the showcase of upcoming games and virtual worlds that are in development. Certainly what is really good to see has been a diversification of virtual worlds, including some innovative and interesting ideas.

Now I happen to like slightly quirky, surreal things and one virtual world caught my attention. Being developed in Austria, its premise is a world that encourages social networking and meeting people. The world in question is Papermint, which although still targeted for the Austrian market will soon make an English language debut. The video demo is available at YouTube

I caught up with Dr. Barbara Lippe, Art Director at Avaloop Immersive Worlds the makers of Papermint and asked her what the premise was behind the unique surroundings.

The first thing that is noticeable is that it combines 2d avatars within a 3d world that has a very cartoony, colourful feel. For Lippe this was a deliberate design choice, replying "we used the paper metaphor as 2d shapes helps with usability and is easier to understand than 3d gameplay." Certainly the target group aren't so much die-hard gamers, but rather the casual user. It also enables Avaloop to create content efficiently and develop its own unique artistic style that bucks the trend from the current race for hyper-realism.

The game took three years of design but actually only took a year to implement. Certainly the 2d vector based system enables the efficient creation of content and the speedy introduction of new items into the world. There is also an artist program that allows people to develop content for Papermint, enabling artists to get involved and expand the world.

Much of the functionality and features are geared towards networking and meeting people. As a user, your avatar has options to set your interests and this can be used to find like minded people. "You can fall in love, marry and get pregnant" replied Lippe and she mentioned the idea that players start out as the child of more experience players.

There is also a whole host of mini-games to play, rewarding players with objects such as clothing and furniture.

I asked Lippe about the business model and she replied that is based on items sales, whilst it is a free download to participate. At present its in Beta, with about 5000 users in Austria. However, there will be an international Beta at the end of the year as well as plans to roll it out in English, French and Spanish.

Overall, its an intriguing premise. Certainly its catchy and unique style will attract people (I just love the idea of turning into a paper boat or aeroplane!). Getting away from the obsession with hyper-realistic graphics may make it an interesting place to participate. More effort can be spent on what makes it real, namely meeting and making new acquaintances in a virtual world.

Harry Speller
Associate Editor
mindhive
November 2007

[King Buzzo]

Very cool! Thanks ag ain Azi!