Question: What social features would you like to see in Activeworlds?

There's a discussion going on in the Wishlist forums about a new 'Do Not Disturb' button which is decidedly anti-social... but never the less the potential improvement afforded an opportunity for further 'status' types of suggestions, so I took it. :)  I personally would like to see the option for various statuses (AFK, DND, BRB, Building, etc.) and an associated icon in the exact same way that 'AFK' currently behaves.

While commenting on the thread, it also came to me that AW is pretty lacking on the social side of things.  What was the last big social improvement... being able to see sent telegrams?  Yeesh.

What do you all think should be added?  We tend to talk a lot about the technical and practical side of things here, without ever getting into personal interaction.  Let me know by commenting on the post below. :)

Thanks!

Noticeboard: AD&DRPG Summer Solstice Event (6/17 - 6/21)

AD&DRPG is running an event through the Summer Solstice that doubles player skill experience gains, and quadruples player spell experience gains!  Skill/Spell gains are a factor in obtaining better equipment in the game, so this is certainly good news for players who are working on skills this weekend!

The Summer Solstice (in the northern hemisphere) is on June 21 this year (at 5:16 pm GMT) though I would expect the event will run through the end of the day. ;)

While we're on the topic of AD&DRPG, I may release another video this weekend of my work in the world.  I haven't had much time to build this week because of summer classes, but I get a few hours of break over the weekend. :P

Happy gaming, everyone!

Noticeboard: AWExpo Dates Set

Despite some rocky beginnings this year, AWExpo 2011 will be occuring and the schedule for participants to get involved and set up has been set.  If you manage an AW organization or would like to show what you as an individual have been creating in Activeworlds, this event is for you!  Content Creators and Organizations both are invited to come and present themselves at the Expo.

Pre-Show Schedule

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• Booth Registration
• Now until August 12
• Register Now: Click here
• Booth Building
• Now until August 22
• Users can build in-world or import a custom booth.
• Guidelines: http://awexpo.in/2011-building-guidelines/
• Custom content: http://upload.awexpo.in/
• AWExpo
• August 26, 27, 28

More info about the upcoming expo can be found at their homepage, http://awexpo.in/.  If you have any further questions, GSK is the man to contact. Hope to see everyone out at the show in August!  We'll be there, and encourage you to be as well!

AD&DRPG Visual Renovations - Traloria and Traloria Sewers

Hey everyone... my work continues in AD&DRPG world and has focused on the large town of Traloria.  I had started on Traloria as of the last photo blog, but really underestimated how long it would take to work on.  I'm still not quite done there, but I've completed several areas, including the popular sewer dungeon.  Take a look:

This isn't actually Traloria, but an unrelated dungeon.  Mostly untouched, I've made simple changes for lighting and effects.

The main square in Traloria has been completely redone.  A fire-lit path leads past interactive characters and shops.

A market now exists in the main square, where players can purchase items and join the Traloria Army.

A chamber within the Traloria Sewers where the various tunnels flow out.  Look out for that dragon!

A safe-haven within the sewers, where players can heal and purchase special equipment.  There are various helpful characters around as well.

Many familiar areas have received mostly cosmetic changes.  I really wanted to eliminate all paper-thin walls.

Some areas, such as this stream next to the path, exist purely for detailing to make the dungeon more interesting.