There: Fully-immersive 3D Online Virtual World--03-11-2009

There Inc.announced recently their fully-immersive 3D online There.com virtual world, cost There Inc. 5 years to develop and 9 months to test, will meet the publc. There.com, a fully interactive, 3D online virtual world where members can customize and create their own 3D character, meet and hang out with friends in real-time using voice and text chat, build their own virtual homes, participate in events ranging from car races to paintball to fashion shows and even create and sell their own virtual items. There.com is a safe and exciting "PG-13" environment for ages 13 and up that has something to offer nearly anyone.

There, as is typical of virtual worlds, gives you control of an online avatar character, which can be customized extensively. You can purchase new clothing, with options ranging from sandals, hats, and bowling shirts, to tribal martial arts pants. Many different pieces of clothing can be kept on hand to change looks and style on the fly. Interestingly, Nike apparel is prominently featured in the world and is available at in-game stores. Beyond clothing, there's plenty more to buy. You can visit "spas" to alter your character in a number of ways, changing body shape and facial features. Skin-color variations and many different hairstyles are also available. In addition, there are many activity items to purchase like paintball guns, dogs, and toy balls. It's also possible to buy buggies and jetpacks for fast travel and world exploration. But naturally, everything costs money.

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There's economy has an element of reality. The currency, called Therebucks, can be used to buy items and services from in-game catalogs or stores. Getting Therebucks to spend is relatively easy, too. You can sell items, charge other players for services in-game, or get an in-game job like ambassador (where you work to welcome and assist new players). A certain amount of Therebucks will also be automatically given to you as part of your monthly subscription. But you can also purchase additional Therebucks using real-life money, directly with your credit card. The current exchange rate is approximately 1,787 Therebucks to $1. In past practice, it's been fairly common for players of online games to conduct real money transactions for in-game items or characters via eBay and other Internet auction sites, but here the process is being brought inside the game itself. There also has an extensive auction system.

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