Active Worlds
is a virtual world launched in 1995 for Windows computers, with Mac and Linux versions also available. It is a sandbox online game heavy on user customization and as a 3D chat program.
There isn't a storyline or goals, instead Active Worlds focuses on chatroom socialization and creating virtual builds. In addition to building in "public build" worlds, players can also purchase their own worlds for greater freedom with objects and avatars. Since the game dates back to 1995, there are vast areas to explore as well.
Active Worlds provides examples for the following tropes:
- Atlantis: The world Atlantis is themed after the legend of Atlantis, set in an underwater setting with themed avatars and some sci-fi elements as well.
- Digital Avatar: Every world has a list of premade avatars to choose from. The Custom Avatar allows people to make a unique avatar, and Personal Avatars are one-of-a-kind avatars for one person that can be worn in any world that allows it.
- The Greys: The Gray avatar is a depiction of one and is one of the pre-made avatars available in Alphaworld and a number of other worlds.
- Holiday Mode:
- During winter, AWGate used to switch to a winter setting, with the grass terrain being replaced with snow, and a couple of themed avatars available to be used in the time period.
- During Halloween, AWGate used to have several themed avatars being available to be used during the time period, such as a skeleton, witch, werewolf and black cat.
- Hub Level: AWGate once fuctioned as one. It was where new users logging in for the first time would appear and there would be teleports to other worlds.
- The Metaverse: Perhaps the Ur-Example for a game, with Snow Crash being cited as an inspiration.
- Noob Cave: Since 2018, AWEntry has acted as an entry level for new players logging in for the first time.
- No Plot? No Problem!: Active Worlds doesn't have a storyline, instead focusing as a social and building game.
- Nostalgia Level:
- AWGate22, AWGate33 and AWGateX are all variations of the third iteration of AWGate.
- AWGZ world is an old version of the Alphaworld ground zero.
- OldGZ world is the second iteration of AWGate
- Premium Currency: Credits are used to buy extra clothing for the Custom Avatar, to buy worlds, or get temporary building rights in public worlds.
- Skybox: It features a traditional skybox as part of all worlds, but its inherently customizable nature allows for a great deal of variation for world owners.
- Shout-Out: The world Cofmeta is inspired by Snow Crash and includes a recreation of “The Street” and the Black Sun lounge, among other elements appearing in the book.
- Temporary Online Content: Since player-owned worlds are paid and must renewed on a yearly basis, it is common for such worlds to go offline without warning. Even AWI-owned worlds sometimes go offline or private as well.
- Virtual Paper Doll: The Custom Avatar allows players to create their own avatar, though it is limited to humans.
- Wide-Open Sandbox: There are vast areas that can be explored and people can build their own areas.
