A major element of video game appeal is the visual eye-candy splashing across the television screen, but even this addictive imagery represents only half the equation. The remaining half is the magic of watching this realistic imagery coming to life before your very eyes. The animation controlled by a gamer is catalyst needed to escape into a different time and place - a time and place created by virtual reality.
Imagine if you will the hypothetical three-dimensional visual world created on a computer through virtual reality. A player can enter this world, move about, and interact with objects as if you were really there.
Video games such as Zelda, Halo, or Harry Potter are some great examples of games that give a player a taste of virtual reality. They allow a player to enter an environment and interact with objects but they do not allow a player to create a new environment, which is what makes virtual worlds unique.
Without a single ounce of programming experience, a virtual world can be created by anyone with an idea. The fun begins when you see that first idea come to life.
To begin, a plan must be constructed that maps your idea of what the perfect world, the craziest world, or the oddest world would be, the only limit is your imagination. Some virtual world software provides a template or starter world which allows you to make additions and ultimately build the world of your dreams. A good example a template can be found inside Maxis' SimCity or SimTown games which provide pre-designed environments allowing plenty of space and opportunity to be shaped into a unique form.
Starting from scratch is always on option, of course, but this takes more time and requires more knowledge of how to add some of the features available in a virtual world. Whether you build a world from scratch or begin with a template, a world is built by adding objects and scenarios or deleting other objects until the user has reached a perfect balance and created their perfect world.
Online gaming is a great place to find examples of what you can build in a virtual world. Every available virtual world program offers sample environments for players to download and install into their own system. Some manufacturers will even sponsor contests, awarding the winners free upgrades. Other great resources for virtual world ideas are books (fiction, historical, fantasy, and futuristic to name a few) and science fiction movies.
Remember; Rome wasn't built in a day and neither will your perfect virtual world. Understanding that virtual gaming takes time is very important but there is no rush and this can be a relaxing hobby. Take your time and have fun. Don't fret over not knowing how to build an object or lay down a map - you will learn how these things are done in time the goal is to create a world of enjoyment, not frustration.
The next step is to add characters with a unique history, odd habits, strengths and weaknesses; giving them goals or small tasks to perform throughout the game, thus adding a plot to your game.
To get started, look for RAD (Rapid Application Development) Tools which will help you bang a virtual reality game together in no time and with little difficulty.
Author Resource:-
Gregg Hall is an author living on the Emerald Coast of Florida. Now that you know a little more about computers and gaming be sure that you get quality computer accessories by going to http://www.nsearch.com
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.freebie-articles.com/images/rss.gif "XML Feed For RSS")
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites