5 Virtual Worlds Debuting at TechCrunch50

Michael Arrington and Jason Calcanis are getting big into virtual worlds according to an interview last week on TechTicker. At this week's TechCrunch50, 5 new worlds are set to debut, and I wouldn't be surprised if there are more in the general hall. There isn't much information--they're all keeping silent until the presentations--but TechCrunch's descriptions and a few notes are below.

From TechCrunch:

• Hangout Industries: Blends social networking with virtual worlds by creating a 3D, online environment where 16-24 year olds can chat and share media. [Currently in private beta; Presents today in session from 9am PT to 10:15am]
• Tonchidot: Makes the Sekai Camera, a camera system that aims to merge the virtual and real worlds by using a digital device as a viewfinder. [Sounds like it could be an augmented reality play; Presents tomorrow in a session at 2:15pm.]
• Grockit: A “Massively Multi-Player Online Learning Game” [Covered previously here; presents on Wednesday at 10:30am session.]
• PlaYce: Makes a global playground by providing a 3D virtual world inside the browser for games and social interaction that is based on the real world. [Sounds like a mirror world effort, at least in part; presents on Wednesday at 10:30am session.]
• Shattered Reality Interactive: A new massively multiplayer online game (think World of Warcraft) that lets the crowd guide the direction of future expansions. [I know it's a game, but it's presenting in the "Vertical Social Networking session on Wednesday at 2:15pm.]

[via TechCrunch]

Comments

[Esther]

Let's not forget Tweegee.com, where Tweens express themselves creatively and safely in an innovative and customized online environment. (Presented at the first TC50 session yesterday)

[Danny]

In case you are interested, there is a great example of utilizing virtual 3D spaces in the form of a giant online New Years Eve party at: www.bongovirusnye3d.com