Looks like this one is going full release
http://blog.smallworlds.com/2008/11/27/release-10-a-sneak-preview/
SmallWorlds Blog
Release 1.0 - A Sneak Preview!
November 27th, 2008 - Hilary Jackson
Its almost here - the release of SmallWorlds 1.0.
Yep, the official, bona-fide, completely-out-of-beta version of our fantastic fully browser-based virtual world is due to be released late on Monday 1st December, 2008 (US time).
The journey of a thousand miles always begins with the first step and for
SmallWorlds, that first step took
place at a top secret location in 2006. A conversation between co-founders Darren Green and Mitch Olson all the way back then has finally culminated in the first summit (almost) being well and truly climbed. Weve got that 1.0 flag unwrapped, all ready to be planted on the top. I guess you could say that our SmallWorlds baby has finally come of age.
Were so eager to share 1.0 with you, that even though the release is not-quite-out-the-door, we couldnt wait any longer to show you some of what weve been working on.
System Optimization - Were Running MUCH Faster!
Getting closer to the 1.0 release, our focus switched from adding and testing new features to improving the overall user experience. The rendering and animation systems have been revised to be more efficient and to spread the load move evenly, resulting in smoother gameplay. These improvements will benefit everyone, but particularly those with older computers which have less resources.
Weve had a few members of the SmallWorlds community helping us test Release 1.0. Trader Sam sent us some feedback: In the current Beta I basically have to stay in my small room and not have many people visit or FREEZE in the NEW [1.0 test] edition I was able to fly around a large room packed with people without freezing up.
Premium Services
SmallWorlds will always be free-to-play but for those community members who would like a little extra, we are introducing the VIP Club. As you would expect, VIPs have access to items in-world that regular members do not. Rest assured however that its not just VIPs that were adding improvements for. Weve got good stuff in store for non-VIP users too, so read on and well walk you through what weve created.
Prior to the 1.0 release the the only way to purchase items was to earn in-world tokens. We now offer two options. You can earn and purchase things with in-world tokens just as before, but now you also have the option to purchase items with real money, via credit card and paypal. You will be able to purchase:
If you choose to sign up on the VIP plan youll receive:
A monthly salary of gold
The current list of VIP-only items (which will of course evolve and grow) include: a small trooper VIP helmet, VIP Japanese geisha, VIP ninja helmet, VIP Venice mask, VIP fairy wings, VIP jet pack, VIP heat/lava gun and a VIP panda suit! These are pictured below, with a few blurred-out items which are still unfinished and will be released at a later date.
Earning Gold
For those who do not wish to sign up for a VIP plan, our E-commerce platform enables you to make a straight purchase of gold (rates below). And, we also wanted to make sure there were other ways to get gold other than buying it - so were providing you with three ways of earning gold in-world:
1 - Inviting friends:
The base rate for Gold is US$1 = 400 SW Gold. Prices for purchasing are:
We will be launching a monthly newsletter in the next couple of weeks which will go out to all registered members. Well also give you the choice to receive weekly in-world emails containing news on events, missions, new items and SmallWorlds blog notifications.
Thank You
To close, wed like to express our gratitude to you, our beta-users, for helping us to get to here. We quite honestly could not have done it without you. All of your experiences and feedback have helped us to mould SmallWorlds into what we will be presenting to you on Monday. Thanks for being a member of the SmallWorlds community we look forward to co-creating more of this exciting world with you and your friends. Trust us - weve got a lot more exciting stuff up our sleeves for the future.
We also have a little thank you gift in store for our beta users - more news on this next week.
Well be making our official 1.0 Release announcement very soon. Watch this space.
http://blog.smallworlds.com/2008/11/27/release-10-a-sneak-preview/
SmallWorlds Blog
Release 1.0 - A Sneak Preview!
November 27th, 2008 - Hilary Jackson
Its almost here - the release of SmallWorlds 1.0.
Yep, the official, bona-fide, completely-out-of-beta version of our fantastic fully browser-based virtual world is due to be released late on Monday 1st December, 2008 (US time).
The journey of a thousand miles always begins with the first step and for
Were so eager to share 1.0 with you, that even though the release is not-quite-out-the-door, we couldnt wait any longer to show you some of what weve been working on.
System Optimization - Were Running MUCH Faster!
Weve had a few members of the SmallWorlds community helping us test Release 1.0. Trader Sam sent us some feedback: In the current Beta I basically have to stay in my small room and not have many people visit or FREEZE in the NEW [1.0 test] edition I was able to fly around a large room packed with people without freezing up.
Premium Services
SmallWorlds will always be free-to-play but for those community members who would like a little extra, we are introducing the VIP Club. As you would expect, VIPs have access to items in-world that regular members do not. Rest assured however that its not just VIPs that were adding improvements for. Weve got good stuff in store for non-VIP users too, so read on and well walk you through what weve created.
Prior to the 1.0 release the the only way to purchase items was to earn in-world tokens. We now offer two options. You can earn and purchase things with in-world tokens just as before, but now you also have the option to purchase items with real money, via credit card and paypal. You will be able to purchase:
- VIP Club subscriptions (which have a range of benefits, listed below)
- Gold (our in-world virtual currency) enabling you to purchase items without needing to earn the tokens via gameplay. We have also built additional ways to earn gold other than a straight purchase keep reading
If you choose to sign up on the VIP plan youll receive:
A monthly salary of gold
- Access to VIP-only avatar options (hairstyles, decals, facial options and avatar clothing)
- Access to the Dance studio (no longer available to everyone)
- The ability to take your pet with you where-ever you go (non-VIP Club members pets cannot travel outside of their owners rooms).Access to VIP only objects and spaces.
- New shoes & boots available
The current list of VIP-only items (which will of course evolve and grow) include: a small trooper VIP helmet, VIP Japanese geisha, VIP ninja helmet, VIP Venice mask, VIP fairy wings, VIP jet pack, VIP heat/lava gun and a VIP panda suit! These are pictured below, with a few blurred-out items which are still unfinished and will be released at a later date.
Earning Gold
1 - Inviting friends:
- 100 Gold + 100 Social XP when your friend registers and confirms email address
- 500 Gold + 500 Social XP when your friend reaches level 20 in any of the experience paths
- 1000 Gold + 1000 Social XP when your friend joins the VIP Club (and hasnt previously been a VIP member)
- You earn 100 gold
- Only items bought with Gold can be sold for Gold
The base rate for Gold is US$1 = 400 SW Gold. Prices for purchasing are:
- US$4.95 = 2,000 SmallWorlds Gold
- US$8.95 = 4,000 SmallWorlds Gold (10% Discount)
- US$19.95 = 10,000 SmallWorlds Gold (20% Discount)
- US$39.95 = 20,000 SmallWorlds Gold (30% Discount).
- SmallWorlds-created Missions & Spaces
We will be launching new missions and spaces regularly from this point forward to further enrich your playing experience.
Thank You
We also have a little thank you gift in store for our beta users - more news on this next week.
Well be making our official 1.0 Release announcement very soon. Watch this space.