From: rwallace@Athena.MIT.EDU
Message-Id: <9307212337.AA16618@m66-080-14>
To: rdshydur@Athena.MIT.EDU
Cc: zinky@Athena.MIT.EDU, jpbonsen@Athena.MIT.EDU
Subject: graphics in MOO 4
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 93 19:37:21 EDT


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From: grantb@autodesk.com (Grant Blaha)
Subject: Re: Graphics in MOO?
To: tyrie@cs.washington.edu
Cc: moo-cows.PARC@xerox.com
Message-Id: <9307212149.AA02545@ogma.autodesk.com>


> I was wondering if anyone had, or was in the stages of doing or
> considering beginning, adding graphics to MOO?

This, of course, would be the obvious next thing to do to add another dimension
to
the MOO experience.  However, as Pavel Curtis has stated before, adding
graphics would
make the experience inaccessible to a lot of people.  In particular, anyone who
can't
use a paint system effectively or model in 3D space.  Text based virtual
realities are
at least accessible to anyone who can write and read effectively which is
almost as
large as the number of people that have access to the internet or a computer.

Have you read "Snow Crash" yet?  In there its like a graphically based mud with
individual sites existing as buildings on a street.  Individuals either
appeared as a generic Dick or Jane, or they would be customized.  The higher
the level of detail in the customization, the greater the level of status
accorded the individual.  After all, would you rather deal with a fuzzy Joe, or
a complex, highly featured goddess?  Anyway, fuzzy Joes were kinda locked out
of the experience while the elite got the enjoy the experience.

Another thing to think about is even if you have a society of accomplished,
artistic modeling mudders, the time from idea to implementation would be
extended radically.  I am a highly accomplished modeler, but it would be
extremely difficult for me to model a golden crown adorned with jewels.  It's
much easier just to write it.  And then, I would have to create all the
behaviours for it.  Ick.  MOO behaviour programming is much easier when you
don't have to worry about mass properties getting in the way.

I think it would be better to concentrate on improved host interfaces and maybe
audio (bandwidth considerations not withstanding.)

*------------------------------*---------------------------------------------*
| Grant Blaha aka Purple Tiger |  Will there be another race to follow after |
| ptiger@netcom.com            |  us?  Maybe Martians will do better than    |
| grantb@autodesk.com          |  we've done.  We'll make great pets.        |
|                              |                           - Porno For Pyros |
*------------------------------*---------------------------------------------*

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