From www.startrek.com
Viacom Consumer Products (VCP) and virtual-conventions, llc, today [05.15.02] announced the first official virtual Star Trek convention to be held August 2-4, in tandem with Creation Entertainment's official live convention in Las Vegas.
Presented by Vir-Con 2002 and described as one of the most immersive branded online experiences ever undertaken, Vir-Con will utilize 3D software from Munich-based blaxxun interactive to create a unique virtual world tailored to mimic a Star Trek convention. But it will also offer a live on-line video feed from Creation's convention, in effect giving fans from around the globe the chance to be part of the Vegas event without the expense and hassle of traveling.
"We couldn't be more excited to see the Star Trek convention content brought to the fans of the world," said Pam Newton, vice-president of marketing and licensing at VCP. "The virtual Star Trek convention will provide fans who can't attend the convention in person an opportunity to participate online."
Upon registering, attendees pick a Star Trek-themed avatar [their 3D persona] with a variety of species to choose from including human, Vulcan, Borg, Klingon, Ferengi, etc. Once inside the 3D virtual convention hall, users can participate in exclusive online fan activities, purchase licensed products in the Star Trek Mall, chat with other fans from around the world, and cruise into the Grand Ballroom to see the celebrities on stage in Vegas. Fan activities include trivia events, prize giveaways and more. "There are some special surprises planned," according to W. Vito Montone, chairman of virtual-conventions, llc (whose company, along with blaxxun, prefers their name in lower-case).
Vir-Con 2002's Web site,
www.vir-con.net, provides news and information about registration and will include updates on scheduled celebrity appearances, sweepstakes, ticket discounts and other convention details.
Pricing is yet to be announced, but as with flesh-and-blood conventions there will be general admission day passes and three-day passes, with additional packages to allow attendees to upgrade their avatars, access preferred seating, attend exclusive celebrity chats in the Green Room, etc. Users also have the option of receiving only the live streaming video of the celebrities on stage at the Creation convention, without the multi-user 3D environment, at a reduced price.
Vir-Con 2002 has designed the virtual Star Trek convention to support up to 100,000 attendees during the three-day online event, with over a dozen unique environments and rooms to explore. "We searched the world over for a platform to do the Star Trek virtual convention, and even competitors agree that blaxxun is the best," Montone said of the technology being utilized. He added that the platform is the same employed by Cybertown.com, the 800,000-member virtual community, but in an upgraded version. "This has been in use for years, and has proven stability in the marketplace. We're not really breaking any technological barriers, we're just putting things together in a really cool way. This is a fantastic application."
The Lobby portion of the virtual convention hall will open in June, which registrants can enter for free. "It'll be a chance to chat with people, have some fun, and practice your virtual reality skills in advance," Montone said. Activities are being planned for the Pre-show Lobby, including giveaways and formal chats with special guests and performers from the 'STAR TREK: The Experience' attraction in Las Vegas. There will also be a portal to Cybertown.com, where visitors can get more experience in a 3D community environment.
"Star Trek is one of the most powerful science-fiction franchises of all time and has one of the largest, most active technology-savvy online communities," Montone remarked. "It's an honor and a pleasure to push the envelope with them!"
Perhaps it won't be long until the virtual convention experience evolves into a full-fledged holodeck program.
