[MUD-Dev] Open Source 3D Interactive World Server

[Bruce]

Ian Macintosh wrote:
>=20
> This might be of interest to the list.
>=20
> >From www.qubesoft.com

Their QDraw code is also behind another open source 3D
initiative, Gel3D.

The Gel3D site has moved a couple of times, but for now, it seems
to be at:  http://www.mutationlabs.com/gel/

---begin quote---

Gel is a new open framework for enabling multi-user
three-dimensional worlds. Combining fresh ideas with
established techniques, Gel incorporates curved,
non-polygonal modeling and animation capabilities,=20
peer-to-peer networking, global time stamps, visual
authoring, and a distributed processing model for
dynamism and deep interactivity. Unifying and enabling
these features is a powerful new programming paradigm,
a graph-based programming language.

Gel allows the entire code for a virtual world to be
visualized as 3D nodes in a tinker toy-like network
that can be manipulated and edited in click and drag-style
inside the world. This is intended to provide, in the long
run, for end-user programming of all aspects of a virtual
world, including behaviors. Users will no longer be limited
to navigating someone else=92s world but will be empowered to
modify or create their own, and build worlds collaboratively,
in real time. Gel is also designed to favor fast, responsive
interactions between multiple users (or avatars) in small
groups, within larger worlds that may contain any number of
simultaneous users.

Gel is an open-ended platform intended to include all interested
parties and the best and brightest of new ideas. Distribution
of Gel will be free via open source, following the BSD license.
The initial release will consist of a bare-bones infrastructure
on top of which further tools, applications and virtual worlds
can be built.

A compact, multi-threaded, object-oriented program, Gel is
written in independent C++, and is designed to be easily
portable, using multiple modules. It will work equally well
as a web browser plug-in or a full-screen application,
either stand-alone or networked. In addition, Gel combines
three distinct layers written from the ground up--networking
and the graph programming engine, a retained mode 3D renderer,
and a graphics driver plus immediate mode 3D rendering engine
(see QDraw addendum)--that can be incorporated individually
or in tandem for other open source applications.

By re-thinking the methods and assumptions underlying current
3D applications for the Internet, we believe we have established
a sound blueprint and working model for a universal visual
communications medium. A medium designed to be owned by none,
accessible to all, and adaptable to many different needs. We
offer Gel as a functional kernel which, when fully developed,
will have the potential to transform online 3D from the pursuit
of a devoted minority into a true mass medium and industry.
Conceivable applications of Gel-based virtual worlds span the
spectrum from entertainment, including online and set-top gaming;
science and education; virtual communities; new interface
paradigms; and E-commerce applications including database
visualization.=20

Note: This presentation is intended only as an overview of a
work-in-progress. It is neither a technical specification nor
a scholarly assessment of prior work and influences.=20

---end quote---

 - Bruce



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