Sparkle 3D virtual world planned for the iPhone
Genkii to deliver an alternate reality to your pocket
Japanese developer Genkii has announced plans to create a 3D virtual world for the iPhone that will let users connect with other players the world over, known as Sparkle 3D.
Really, this isn’t anything particularly new, considering the number of PC games that have built vast, virtual continents in cyberspace, but there’s nothing really on the iPhone that’s harnessed the systems inherent connectivity.
Sparkle 3D is just such an MMO, according to TechCrunch, being developed from the ground up specifically for the iPhone. It’ll feature the expected IM communications, which will connect users through their Second Life and OpenSim grids to chat, send teleport requests and play games online.
On top of the communications network, Sparkle 3D promises its own economy, customisable avatars, in-game goods, streaming audio and a continuing flow of additional features to fully populate this virtual world.
Genkii is also experimenting with connecting Sparkle 3D to other platforms, such as web-based MMORPGs and PlayStation Home - opening the world up to non-iPhone users, too.
Online ecosystems are big business, and are notable on the App Store by their absence, so it’ll be interesting to see how Sparkle 3D catches on. In the meantime, have a look at this (very brief) work in progress video.
