SINGAPORE: 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.

"Singapore is a gateway to Asia, with access to native speakers of the main Asian languages, a stable business and intellectual property environment with a well-educated workforce," said Metaversum co-founder and chief marketing officer, Dr Mirko Caspar.

A recent job posting on a local website saw Metaversum seek customer support staff who would "greet customers inside Twinity, help them navigate the world, and resolve technical problems". They would also interact with customers via email, forums, chat and possibly at offline events.

"We are considering starting with a customer support force to support our local customer base and then gradually expanding from localisation to marketing, business development and research and development activities," said Dr Caspar.

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.

Said Dr Caspar: "Most of the current virtual worlds are based on fantasy environments and avatars that have little reference to the real world. However, if you look at the most popular social networks and community sites, they are all about real life, real friends and real interests."

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," said Dr Caspar. - TODAY/fa