While some games have had virtual avatars of bands performing in their virtual worlds, this will be the first known concert via dynamic mega size screens, delivered through technology developed by Microsoft Corp.'s Massive. Gamers will see the band's performance, hear them and be able to mingle in the giant concert arena specifically designed for this historical event.
The concert is available free of charge to all players of Anarchy Online, and all they need to do to see it is to opt to toggle on viewing of the commercial advertising billboards in the game during the event. New players to the game can simply go to www.anarchy-online.com to download the free client, but since the event is secured via a sponsorship deal with a major U.S Telecom provider it can only be seen by North American gamers. With time Funcom hope that it is possible to expand the offering to global users, as well as providing other encore events.
Craig Morrison, the Producer / Director on Anarchy Online stated, "Virtual world entertainment is definitively expanding, and this historical opportunity to bring a concert to our players is something we have wanted to do for years. We know how much our players love music, whether it's the award winning soundtracks from the game, listening to the in-game radio station GridStream or bringing their own, and now they will get to experience yet another level of interaction thanks to Microsoft Corp.’s Missive’s unique technology."
Anarchy Online is well known for innovations in the gaming industry, and Funcom has been a pioneer on everything from instancing in MMOs to digital download and the introduction of dynamic in-game advertising billboards. The world's first sci-fi MMO keeps on attracting scores of gamers, and with this move Funcom is once again stating its commitment to the continued development of the game.
Funcom hopes that this historical concert is but a first stepping stone for a technology with staggering potential. As the opportunities in virtual worlds expand, the company will continue to explore new venues with world-class partners, both in Anarchy Online and in future Funcom games.
Check out www.anarchy-online.com for detailed event information, and come join Rubi-Ka this weekend!