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by jbinto 4237 days ago
OT: Anyone remember VRML?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VRML

8 comments

I remember an online VRML pseudo-MMO that pre-dated SecondLife and friends by quite some time in the late 90s. I think it was called CyberCities or something.

I remember thinking how huge it was going to be.

I believe you're thinking of Cybertown by Blaxxun Interactive.
That's the one.
Cybertown was great. You could import your own VRML created objects to sell in the market for virtual currency; e.g. furnishings for people's homes.
Fondly, I was amazed at its scope. Too much too early I guess. The only viable market at the time was high end businesses (I remember a famous demo of an in-browser car design vrmlet: colors, coating). But it was a niche.
I remember not just VRML, but noticing vwww.domain.com (or something similar) and thinking how it was going to be the future. Then I started using some random "3d" browser that allowed you to see webpages in a cube-like (compiz-like) environement. This was about 2001, which was the start to my interest in cgi and animation.
Oh nice! I started a VRML parser in Action Script (Flash), but never finished. Worked with Papervision3D at that time.
I do. I had assignments in VRML when doing my BSc degree, I remember doing a SMB clone in 3D. I don't have very good memories from that period...
Yep, I worked at a VRML startup in the 90s..
same here