Somnium Space Web WORLDs: A Closer Look

Somnium Space released Somnium Space Web WORLDs, a feature that greatly enhances accessibility and capability of Somnium Space parcels.

With the addition of Web WORLDs, a whole new toolbox is now available to Somnium Space parcel owners (and to those who rent). With it they can configure PlayCanvas scenes to load when users access the Somnium WEB parcel.

Workflow

The general workflow will be like this:

1. You create and test your scene in the PlayCanvas editor by importing the Web Worlds SDK prefab from the provided template.
2. You can specify which parcel numbers you want your Web World to work on or you can allow it to work on ANY parcel that assigns your world’s URL.
3. When your world is ready to use, you download a ZIP file with it from the PlayCanvas editor and then upload it to your own web space.
4. Finally, you assign your Web World’s URL to your parcel for visitors to experience.

Somnium Web WORLDs can greatly enhance the look and feel as well as functionality of parcels that are visited via the web. This is important for tailoring experiences and give visitors a unique experience.

Alpha Release and Roadmap

The current version is the alpha release, which supports augmented and holistic Worlds (either extend the parcel builds or replace it entirely), self-hosting and “art-only” (no script execution). It is also worth to note that it does not have built-in multiplayer syncing of objects yet.

However, the roadmap states that script execution, multiplayer syncing, user input capturing and user manipulation, and hosting Worlds in the Somnium Cloud will all be added in due time.

Also, support for Hybrid Worlds will be added. With Hybrid Worlds the users can enter the parcel build and via a portal enter the PlayCanvas scene (in addition to Augmented and Holistic Worlds).

How it Connects to Somnium Space

Somnium Space has always recognized that access to its platform is key and not owning a headset should not prohibit you from having the best experiences. For this reason there are 3 modes of access:

1. VR mode using a VR headset (also standalone on Oculus Quest)
2. 2D mode using the 2D Desktop Client
3. Somnium WEB (WebXR), using a simple URL on any device (including VR headset, which allows Somnium WEB parcels to be experienced in full VR mode)

Somnium Space Web WORLDs are an extension to Somnium WEB and through this system linked Worlds will be addressable: somniumspace.com/parcel/<parcel number>

Before we forget, if you visit a parcel or city center in Somnium using your mobile phone, you can turn on AR mode. This will also work for any PlayCanvas scene you configure the parcel with. In the video below you can see city center.

Links

Medium post announcing Somnium Space Web Wolds: https://somniumspace.medium.com/introducing-somnium-space-web-worlds-revolution-in-metaverse-accessibility-c49a375017ec