New virtual world makes S'pore Asian hub

German-based tech startup Metaversum is planning to make Singapore the Asian hub for its new 3D virtual world Twinity, and it is counting on the local market to reach out to other countries in the region.

Currently in beta stage, Twinity is a 3D environment that seeks to mash up the real world and the virtual world. It has about 2,000 beta users, aged between 18 and 50.

Twinizens, as the virtual residents of Twinity are called, can decorate their virtual apartments, meet up with friends and communicate using text and voice chats. They can also shop together on the Internet, watch videos and listen to music.

Twinity's aspiration to mirror the real world in 3D is similar to a new project headed by the Media Development Authority (MDA). Dubbed Co-Space, MDA's project seeks to recreate an interactive 3D version of Singapore.

Twinizens are encouraged to create realistic avatars and spaces in virtual locales that resemble the real world. This means you might well have your very own virtual condominium apartment in Orchard Road.

By comparison, in virtual worlds like Second Life or World of Warcraft, your avatar could be a flying spaghetti monster or a spell-casting druid, and virtual spaces could be fashioned manga-style.

In essence, Twinity is for everyone who wants to communicate, be entertained, have fun or run a business. It's for social networkers and online chat enthusiasts who want more emotional, human communication in 3D. It's for the virtual world and 3D entertainment aficionados who want to represent their real life with all their friends and interests.