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| Twinity | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developers | Metaversum GmbH (former) ExitReality |
| Engine | BigWorld Technology |
| Platform | Microsoft Windows |
| Release | September 5, 2008 (Open Beta) |
| Genre | Massively multiplayer online social game |
| Mode | Multiplayer |
Twinity is a3D onlinevirtual world. Initially developed byMetaversum GmbH, it is currently held by ExitReality. The game offers its population, called Twinizens, to navigate around virtual (historical) versions of real-world cities, also called amirror world or aMetaverse. Apublic beta began in September 2008, with the release of the first virtual city,Berlin, which later was followed bySingapore,London,Miami andNew York.[1]Twinity is built onBigWorld Technology and its economy is based on afree-to-play model.[2]
Twinity is the first 3D online virtual world to incorporate true-to-scale replicas of large cities from all over the world. However, the company has recently begun to shift the focus away from a mirror world towards a morefantasy-oriented environment with locations like the Isle of Palmadora.[3] In this respect,Twinity seems to be moving towards aSecond Life-like world with more innovative features that they set up within the game, since much of user-created content isfictional and is not related to real addresses ofshops andapartments. All of the game's cities were removed in January 2012.[4] On June 8, 2012, the acquisition ofTwinity by ExitReality was announced.[5][6]
Twinity members represent themselves in the world where they can use their real names and create anavatar that can be customized in different ways, including the usage of a specialPhotofit application. Photofit allows a user to upload a real photo, which it then adapts to the measurements of an avatar face, making it resemble a picture.[7] However, the creation of newalter egos androle play are popular amongTwinity players as well.
Thevirtual currency used inTwinity is called "Globals".[8] With the Globals, the Twinizens can buy clothes, furniture items, animations and pay for their own virtual apartment. Globals can be bought with credit card on the homepage, withPayPal or throughMopay. The users can also gain Globals by attending virtual contests and events, use SponsorPay or finish the welcome tour that they are offered upon registration.
Twinity is based both on professional anduser-generated content. Many Twinizens are content creators, developing and selling their own products in the world as well as creating their ownmachinima. Users also set up their own apartments, clubs, shops and lounges in which to host various events or to share with others. Starting fall 2010, all users are given starter apartments that they can furnish and decorate themselves. Users can create their own furniture or purchase pre-made items from the shops inTwinity. Additionally, a real estate agency can be found on theTwinity homepage where the Twinizens can localize an apartment of their choice. WithinTwinity, anachievement system is offered, which allows users to earn profile badges related to the categories: travel, lifestyle and living.
Twinity uses next-generationtexturing technologies to deliver a graphically up-to-date visual experience that can be compared to the latest game releases in the industry. This includes such engine features as normal,specular andcube maps.Screen space ambient occlusion andglow shader effects finish the final look in thepost-rendering.Twinity uses3D mapping data byTele Atlas,[7] which makes the virtual buildings resemble their look in the real world.[7]
A major part of the content inTwinity is user-generated. Premium members can create 3D-objects, clothes, floor plans and animations which they upload through theTwinity client or exportCOLLADA files through 3D modelling tools such asSketchUp,Blender,Autodesk 3ds Max orAutodesk Maya.
Twinity uses the 3D Game Engine fromBigWorld, an Australian games company for 3D virtual worlds, which was specially created for Metaversum.
At first week of November 2021 without any notice, Twinity website and game both were shut down, its official blog is on still with last update of December 10 2021.