Blue Mars (video game)

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Blue Mars
Developer(s) Avatar Reality
Designer(s) Kaz Hashimoto
Engine CryEngine 2
Platform(s) Microsoft Windows, iOS
Release September 2, 2009
(open beta)
Genre(s) Virtual world, MMOG
Mode(s) Multiplayer
Blue Mars is a 3D massively multiplayer virtual world platform currently in open
beta. The platform, being developed by Hawaii-based Avatar Reality, allows 3rd
parties to create virtual worlds, MMOG games, simulations, shops, businesses,
entertainment venues, clothing, custom avatars, furniture, virtual homes, and other
items. It consists of four main parts: the client software, the Sandbox Editor SDK
suite, the website, and the host servers. It is often compared to Second Life,
since both are virtual social worlds allowing user-created content.[1] According to
Jim Sink, CEO of Avatar Reality, "Blue Mars was inspired by a vision of the future
when the power to terraform whole worlds is within our grasp. The name Blue Mars
represents possibility and hope."[1]

Contents
1 Platform and technology
2 Gameplay
3 Development history
4 User statistics
5 Reception
6 References
7 External links
Platform and technology
The editor suite is a free download after upgrading to a developer account. It
currently consists of nine editors with specialized purposes (Animation, Block,
Body, City, Cloth, Furniture, Interior, Item, and Shop), a developer version of the
client software for testing, and reference and sample data.

Both the client software and Editor suite utilize the CryEngine 2 rendering engine
originally developed by Crytek.[2] The video game Crysis also runs on CryEngine 2.
The graphics engine is being modified by Avatar Reality, and features not part of a
combat game but needed for a virtual world are being added. Content can be created
on many 3rd party 3D and graphics programs so long as they can output a COLLADA
interchange file format 3D model or TIFF or Direct Draw Surface image formats. They
are then converted to CryEngine native .cgf and .dds formats as needed via the
provided development tools

The host servers deliver city data files, individual item and avatar files, and
player interaction and updates when logged in. Currently in the demonstration stage
is a "Fusion Render Cloud" system with remote rendering for devices without
adequate graphics cards,[3] and without the need for a client download and
installation.[4]
Gameplay
The game takes place in 2177 on a terraformed Mars.[5]

Avatars can freely move around in locations known as "cities" (similar to "islands"
in Second Life[1]), and interact with scripted objects and other avatars. Each
location may have custom features added by the city designer for entertainment,
game, shopping, business or other uses. Internal "Blue Mars Dollars" are used for
shopping and rentals. They can be bought with real money, earned within Blue Mars,
and cashed out by developers via PayPal.

Development history

This section is in list format, but may read better as prose. You can help by
converting this section, if appropriate. Editing help is available. (January 2019)
June 2009 � Avatar Reality started closed beta testing

September 2, 2009 � Reached "open beta" status, with version 0.5822.[6]

December 17, 2009 � version 0.6589 of the beta software was released. This version
added a "places browser", which allows selective downloading of city data, and
Flash functionality within the player client. At the same time the website was
revamped, new cities opened, and pricing was announced for city hosting.

February 18, 2010 � version 0.7470 was released. This version added a "Body Editor"
to create custom Avatars.

April 5, 2010 � version 0.8237 was released. This version added custom hair
creation, and improved chat features in the client software. The "world" at this
point consists of 15 visitable cities with a small number of activities and working
shops.

The development roadmap plans release of more features incrementally.[7] on roughly

a six-week cycle.

March 5, 2012 � Ball State University is granted research and development rights to
"operate Blue Mars for noncommercial purposes, expand upon the source code,
increase its research and academic initiatives, and enhance the community of Blue
Mars."[8]

User statistics
As of November 2010, there are approximately 3500 registered users on their beta
forums, and approximately 330 developers who are creating cities, games 3D
environments, and individual items for Blue Mars. Most of these developers are
individuals, small groups or indie game developers. Developer registration is
free[9] as is the developer kit, although some external 3D graphics software may
require purchase.

Reception
[icon]
This section is empty. You can help by adding to it. (December 2018)
References
Nino, Tateru (10 September 2009). "Blue Mars: An interview with Avatar Reality's
CEO, Jim Sink". Massively. Joystiq. Retrieved 28 June 2013.
Blue Mars uses CryEngine2 platform
Blue Mars in the Cloud
Au, Wagner James (14 April 2010). "New World Notes: Breaking News: Blue Mars
Launching Cloud-Based Option This Year: Low Lag, High-Res 3D Virtual World Without
High-End Hardware -- Can Second Life Technically Compete?". Retrieved 30 June 2013.
Welsh, Oli (20 February 2008). "Blue Mars revealed at GDC". Eurogamer. Retrieved
28 June 2013.
Blue Mars reaches open beta phase
Blue Mars FAQ: Digital Items
Werner, Gail (5 March 2013). "Ball State granted rights to develop $10 million
Blue Mars virtual world technology". Ball State University. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
[1]
External links
Official website
Categories: IOS gamesCryEngine gamesUpcoming video gamesVideo games developed in
the United StatesMultiplayer online gamesVirtual economiesWindows gamesVideo games
set on Mars
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This page was last edited on 29 May 2019, at 18:20 (UTC).
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