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=1985= | =1985= | ||
==Unknown Date== | ==July== | ||
* Habitat begins. | * Charlie Kellner and Chip Morningstar discuss ideas for "microworld".<ref>E-mail from Charlie Kellner - July 18th, 1985, https://github.com/Museum-of-Art-and-Digital-Entertainment/habitat/blob/master/chip/habitat/docs/archives/worldComments</ref> | ||
==September== | |||
===4th=== | |||
* Steve Arnold of Lucasfilm Games and Steve Case of Quantum Link discuss Mr Case's desire for a project with a quick turnaround and Chip Morningstar's proposal for Habitat is mentioned<ref>Lucasfilm Games MicroCosm Proposal - September 5th, 1985, https://archive.org/details/lucas-film-micro-cosm-proposal</ref>. | |||
===5th=== | |||
* Steve Arnold writes a letter to Steve Case and sends him the written proposal for Habitat that Chip Morningstar wrote<ref>Lucasfilm Games MicroCosm Proposal - September 5th, 1985, https://archive.org/details/lucas-film-micro-cosm-proposal</ref>. | |||
==October== | |||
===7th=== | |||
* Chip Morningstar flies to the Quantum Link offices in Vienna, VA and meets with Marc Seriff (VP of engineering and product development), Ken Huntsman (programmer) and Janet Hunter (programmer and later integral member of the Habitat team)<ref>Capsule summary of meeting with Quantum folk, October 7-8, 1985, at their offices in Vienna, VA., https://github.com/Museum-of-Art-and-Digital-Entertainment/habitat/blob/master/chip/habitat/docs/cya/meetingOct7.t</ref>. | |||
===8th=== | |||
* Chip Morningstar and Steve Arnold meet with Marc Seriff, Ken Huntsman and Janet Hunter<ref>Capsule summary of meeting with Quantum folk, October 7-8, 1985, at their offices in Vienna, VA., https://github.com/Museum-of-Art-and-Digital-Entertainment/habitat/blob/master/chip/habitat/docs/cya/meetingOct7.t</ref>. | |||
* Chip Morningstar and Steve Arnold meet with Marc Seriff, Clive Smith from Commodore, the president of Quantum Link and Quantum's software contracts lawyer<ref>Capsule summary of meeting with Quantum folk, October 7-8, 1985, at their offices in Vienna, VA., https://github.com/Museum-of-Art-and-Digital-Entertainment/habitat/blob/master/chip/habitat/docs/cya/meetingOct7.t</ref>. | |||
==November== | |||
===4th=== | |||
* Aric Wilmunder joins the Habitat development team full time.<ref>MicroCosm™ Report | |||
December 5, 1985, https://github.com/StuBlad/habitatdocs/blob/main/itr/reportNovember.pdf</ref> | |||
===18th=== | |||
* Randy Farmer joins the Habitat development team full time.<ref>MicroCosm™ Report | |||
December 5, 1985, https://github.com/StuBlad/habitatdocs/blob/main/itr/reportNovember.pdf</ref> | |||
====Unknown Date==== | |||
* Development of Habitat begins, initially called MicroCosm. | |||
=1986= | =1986= | ||
== | ==June== | ||
* Habitat is demoed at The Palladium nightclub in New York City. | * Habitat is demoed at the 20th Consumer Electronics Show in Chicago, USA<ref>Issue 17 - Computer Gamer - August 1986, https://renoproject.org/imagearchive/index.php?/category/335</ref>. Randy Farmer, Aric Wilmunder and Janet Hunter were in attendance<ref>Direct messages with Randy Farmer - June 1st, 2023</ref> | ||
==September== | |||
===16th=== | |||
* Habitat is demoed by Lucasfilm Games at The Palladium nightclub in New York City<ref>Issue 44 Commodore Microcomputers - November/December 1986, https://renoproject.org/imagearchive/picture.php?/8435/category/160</ref><ref>Computerworld - Sep 1, 1986, https://books.google.com/books?id=6dLTc6Wv3Y0C&pg=PA72&lpg=PA72&dq=north+american+videotex+industry+%22conference%22+%221986%22+%22New+York%22+-minitel&source=bl&ots=3YMaib_mgh&sig=ACfU3U3P31hutfru8_prDuEy45AwgU9BBg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjBooHdhaj2AhVtJkQIHfQvBjEQ6AF6BAg1EAM#v=onepage&q=north%20american%20videotex%20industry%20%22conference%22%20%221986%22%20%22New%20York%22%20-minitel&f=false</ref><ref>Palladium Demo - Lucasfilm Ltd. Games Division - September 14, 1986,https://github.com/StuBlad/habitatdocs/blob/main/itr/palladium.pdf</ref>. | |||
==November== | |||
===3rd=== | |||
* At a meeting with Quantum Link, it is decided that in Habitat, all logged out users will be turned into to ghosts, rather than being left on the ground turned to stone<ref>Subject: Habitat meetings at Quantum, 11/3 - November 5th, 1986, https://github.com/Museum-of-Art-and-Digital-Entertainment/habitat/blob/master/chip/habitat/docs/cya/qmeeting.t</ref>. | |||
====Unknown Date==== | |||
* The Habitat closed pilot test begins<ref>The Socialization of Cyberspace: From Habitat to the Full Service Network - Hosted by Professor Terry Winograd and Randy Farmer, Electric Communities at Stanford University, January 12th, 1996, https://youtu.be/zVwkFgmsLHc?t=491</ref>. | |||
=1987= | =1987= | ||
==Unknown Date== | ==August== | ||
* Habitat | |||
===Unknown Date=== | |||
* Lucasfilm's Habitat is opened up for beta testing to a wider selection of users that were invited in small batches<ref>The Rant Newspaper - Volume 1, Issue 1 - August 17th, 1987, https://renoproject.org/imagearchive/picture.php?/12962/category/380</ref>. Users had to pay to access Habitat during this time<ref>Conversation with Randy Farmer on The MADE's Discord - September 4, 2024</ref>. | |||
=1988= | =1988= | ||
== | ==May== | ||
* Habitat | ===5th=== | ||
* The Habitat beta test comes to a close<ref>Bill Herrin's Habitat Beta Blast Party footage, https://youtu.be/YlFhkFX_wu0</ref>. | |||
==July== | |||
* Randy Farmer replaces the title screen and the hatchery text in the Habitat client to rebrand it as Club Caribe for Quantum Link<ref>Direct messages with Randy Farmer - March 25th, 2024</ref> | |||
==August== | |||
===21st=== | |||
* Fujitsu representatives attend the Habitat Technology Transfer Seminar at Skywalker Ranch in Marin County, California, USA. The seminar is held from Monday, August 21, 1988 through Friday, August 25, 1988<ref>Habitat Technology Transfer Seminar document, https://renoproject.org/pub/Habitat/Documents/Habitat_Tech_Transfer_FULL.pdf</ref>. A notable attendee is Kazutomo Fukuda, who would go on to be in charge of Fujitsu Habitat and Habitat II. | |||
==October== | |||
* Fujitsu licenses Habitat from Lucasfilm to create Fujitsu Habitat in Japan<ref>History of Fujitsu Habitat - Oh!FM Towns - November 1991, https://renoproject.org/imagearchive/picture.php?/6581/category/238</ref><ref>You can't tell people anything - Habitat Chronicles, http://habitatchronicles.com/2004/04/you-cant-tell-people-anything/</ref><ref>WorldsAway Backgrounder - Creating Virtual Communities in Cyberspace, https://web.archive.org/web/19961120223211/http://www.worldsaway.com/Worldsaway/press2/waback.html</ref>. | |||
=1989= | =1989= | ||
==February== | ==February== | ||
* Fujitsu Habitat is demoed at Asia Telecom ‘89 in Singapore by a team from Fujitsu alongside Chip Morningstar and Randy Farmer. | * Fujitsu Habitat is demoed at Asia Telecom ‘89 in Singapore by a team from Fujitsu alongside Chip Morningstar and Randy Farmer<ref>Asia Telecom '89 Photos from the archives of Randy Farmer, https://renoproject.org/imagearchive/index.php?/category/313</ref><ref>Fujitsu Habitat history - https://web.archive.org/web/20160812162115/http://www.j-chat.net/habitat/history.html</ref>. | ||
==March== | |||
* Fujitsu Habitat was debuted in Japan at "Denno Amusement Park IN Tokyo Dome" where Fujitsu's personal computer the "FM-TOWNS" was also unveiled<ref>Fujitsu Habitat history - https://web.archive.org/web/20160812162115/http://www.j-chat.net/habitat/history.html</ref>. | |||
==July== | |||
* Club Caribe is released on Quantum Link. | |||
== | ==October== | ||
* Fujitsu Habitat monitor test begins<ref>Fujitsu Habitat history - https://web.archive.org/web/20160812162115/http://www.j-chat.net/habitat/history.html</ref>. | |||
* Fujitsu Habitat monitor test begins. | |||
=1990= | =1990= | ||
==January== | |||
===26th=== | |||
* Fujitsu Habitat officially begins service, initially being free to play<ref>Fujitsu Scientific and Technical Journal Vol. 26, No. 3 - October 30th, 1990 - Hypermedia Personal Computer Communication System: Fujitsu Habitat, https://renoproject.org/pub/FujitsuHabitat/Text/Hypermedia%20Personal%20Computer%20Communication%20System%20-%20Fujitsu%20Habitat.pdf</ref>. | |||
==February== | ==February== | ||
* Fujitsu Habitat is officially released on the FM-TOWNS computer<ref> https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1997/Sep/habitat/habitat2_gaiyou.html</ref>. | |||
===10th=== | |||
* Fujitsu Habitat is officially released on the FM-TOWNS computer and becomes a paid service<ref>Fujitsu Scientific and Technical Journal Vol. 26, No. 3 - October 30th, 1990 - Hypermedia Personal Computer Communication System: Fujitsu Habitat, https://renoproject.org/pub/FujitsuHabitat/Text/Hypermedia%20Personal%20Computer%20Communication%20System%20-%20Fujitsu%20Habitat.pdf</ref><ref>Overview of "Habitat II" - Fujitsu September 1997 Press Release, https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1997/Sep/habitat/habitat2_gaiyou.html</ref><ref>"Habitat II" service concept - Fujitsu September 1997 Press Release, https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1997/Sep/habitat/habitat2_concept.html</ref><ref>FUJITSU MULTIMEDIA CORPORATE BACKGROUNDER, https://web.archive.org/web/19961120223227/http://www.worldsaway.com/Worldsaway/press2/fujicorp.html</ref>. | |||
=1991= | =1991= | ||
==August== | |||
* The Fujitsu Habitat client is released on the [https://www.fujitsu.com/global/about/corporate/history/products/computer/personalcomputer/fm-r.html FMR] series of personal computers<ref>Fujitsu Habitat history - https://web.archive.org/web/20160812162115/http://www.j-chat.net/habitat/history.html</ref>. | |||
==September== | |||
* Fujitsu acquire key staff from UniSoft Corporation, a software house specialising in UNIX<ref> FUJITSU POACHES UNISOFT TOP BRASS TO STAFF NEW OPEN SYSTEMS OUTFIT - September 8th, 1991, https://techmonitor.ai/technology/fujitsu_poaches_unisoft_top_brass_to_staff_new_open_systems_outfit</ref>. They use these staff to form Fujitsu Open Systems Solutions, inc, a UNIX research and development venture. Fujitsu Open Systems Solutions, inc would later be the company that Electric Communities worked alongside with to create WorldsAway in 1994. | |||
==October== | |||
* The Fujitsu Habitat client is released for the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PC-9800_series PC-9801]<ref>Fujitsu Habitat history - https://web.archive.org/web/20160812162115/http://www.j-chat.net/habitat/history.html</ref>. | |||
=1992= | =1992= | ||
=1993= | =1993= | ||
==September== | |||
===21st=== | |||
* The FINE plan presentation is made by Electric Communities to Fujitsu Limited in Kawasaki, Japan<ref>Direct messages with Randy Farmer - May 9th, 2022</ref>. The FINE plan stands for the Future Interactive Network Environment - An Introduction to Global Cyberspace. | |||
===28th=== | |||
* The earliest recorded attempt by Chip Morningstar attempting to compile the Fujitsu Habitat source in preparation for porting Fujitsu Habitat to Windows is made<ref>Fujitsu Habitat source code build log - September 28th, 1993</ref>. This was the original plan for WorldsAway before it was realised that the Fujitsu Habitat source code wasn't going to work and that it would be faster to write WorldsAway from scratch. Earlier dates of August 1993 are present but aren't verifiable as the date when Chip first received the source code and began work. | |||
==Unknown Date== | ==Unknown Date== | ||
* Development of WorldsAway begins. | * Fujitsu Limited acquire the Habitat intellectual property from Lucasfilm<ref>FUJITSU GETS WIRED (int'l edition) - BusinessWeek, https://web.archive.org/web/19970628192110/http://www.businessweek.com/1996/12/b3467152.htm</ref>. | ||
* Development of WorldsAway begins under Fujitsu Open Systems Solutions, inc (originally UniSoft, which was acquired by Fujitsu)<ref>E-mail conversion with John Onusko, one of the people who wrote the WorldsAway server code.</ref><ref>FUJITSU POACHES UNISOFT TOP BRASS TO STAFF NEW OPEN SYSTEMS OUTFIT, https://techmonitor.ai/techonology/fujitsu_poaches_unisoft_top_brass_to_staff_new_open_systems_outfit</ref>. | |||
=1994= | =1994= | ||
==February== | ==February== | ||
* Club Caribe closes. | |||
===21st=== | |||
* Club Caribe closes<ref>BLD Stlker’s Club Caribe Documentary - February 1994, https://youtu.be/OESzgOau1k4</ref>. | |||
==August== | |||
* Fujitsu's Cultural Technologies division is established in San Jose<ref>FUJITSU DEMOS VIRTUAL WORLDS FOR THE WEB AT SPRING INTERNET | |||
WORLD `96 - Press Release, https://web.archive.org/web/19961120223153/http://www.worldsaway.com/Worldsaway/press2/webw.html</ref><ref>INTRODUCING WEBWORLD -- ANIMATED VIRTUAL WORLD FOR THE WEB - Press Release, https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1996/Feb/28-e.html</ref>. | |||
==December== | |||
* The book [https://renoproject.org/imagearchive/index.php?/category/182 "Online virtual reality"] which was written by Fujitsu Habitat Oracles is published by Fujitsu Books<ref>Fujitsu Habitat history - https://web.archive.org/web/20160812162115/http://www.j-chat.net/habitat/history.html</ref>. | |||
=1995= | =1995= | ||
==May== | |||
===8th=== | |||
* Ron Lichty joins Fujitsu Cultural Technologies as the head of Engineering<ref>E-mail with Ron Lichty - August 17th, 2023</ref>. | |||
==July== | |||
* Douglas Crockford meets with Fujitsu Cultural Technologies on behalf of Electric Communities to discuss an ongoing support contract between them for WorldsAway. A bid for a support contract was made by Fujitsu but fell way short of Electric Communities expectations, with Fujitsu wanting to pay by the hour. A deal could not be made and the working relationship between Fujitsu and Electric Communities was terminated <ref>Electric Communities GOAT - July 31st 1995, https://github.com/Museum-of-Art-and-Digital-Entertainment/Electric-Communities-Submissions/blob/main/EC/Original-E/ec2-giblets/Docs/GOATs/95-07-31</ref>. | |||
==August== | |||
===4th=== | |||
* WorldsAway opens up the Dreamscape service in beta to testers on CompuServe. Testers would use version 0.8 of the WorldsAway client<ref>Ron Lichty's performance review by Tony Christopher in May 1996</ref><ref>Dreamscape Rollout Schedule - Email from Jeffery Douglas to Tony Christopher on 30 July 1997, https://renoproject.org/interviews/jefferydouglas.html</ref>. | |||
===30th=== | |||
* WorldsAway's Dreamscape world is made available to the general public for the first time<ref>Ron Lichty's performance review by Tony Christopher in May 1996</ref>. | |||
====Unknown Date==== | |||
* Body Sprays are introduced into the Dreamscape<ref>Dreamscape Rollout Schedule - Email from Jeffery Douglas to Tony Christopher on 30 July 1997, https://renoproject.org/interviews/jefferydouglas.html</ref>. | |||
==September== | ==September== | ||
* | |||
===10th=== | |||
* WorldsAway begins to generate revenue for Fujitsu Cultural Technologies for the first time<ref>Ron Lichty's performance review by Tony Christopher in May 1996</ref>. | |||
====Unknown Date==== | |||
* StarWay Cafe and the Temple of Morpheus are opened to the public in the Dreamscape<ref>Dreamscape Rollout Schedule - Email from Jeffery Douglas to Tony Christopher on 30 July 1997, https://renoproject.org/interviews/jefferydouglas.html</ref>. | |||
* The first inworld wedding is held in the Dreamscape<ref>Dreamscape Rollout Schedule - Email from Jeffery Douglas to Tony Christopher on 30 July 1997, https://renoproject.org/interviews/jefferydouglas.html</ref>. | |||
==November== | ==November== | ||
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===15th=== | ===15th=== | ||
* WorldsAway version 1.0 is officially released. This date actually becomes known each year as “Kymer New Year”, to celebrate the release of 1.0 in the Dreamscape, on the island of Kymer. | * WorldsAway version 1.0 is officially released. This date actually becomes known each year as “Kymer New Year”, to celebrate the release of 1.0 in the Dreamscape, on the island of Kymer. | ||
==December== | |||
===1st=== | |||
* Fujitsu announces the availability of WorldsAway to CompuServe subscribers around the world<ref>Animated Virtual World Debuts on CompuServe - Press Release, https://web.archive.org/web/19961120223202/http://www.worldsaway.com/Worldsaway/press2/waann.html</ref>. | |||
===15th=== | |||
* WorldsAway is released on CompuServe CD's for the first time<ref>Dreamscape Rollout Schedule - Email from Jeffery Douglas to Tony Christopher on 30 July 1997, https://renoproject.org/interviews/jefferydouglas.html</ref>. | |||
=1996= | =1996= | ||
==February== | |||
===27th=== | |||
* Fujitsu announces plans for a new world called "WebWorld"<ref>INTRODUCING WEBWORLD -- ANIMATED VIRTUAL WORLD FOR THE WEB - Press Release, https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1996/Feb/28-e.html</ref>. | |||
==March== | ==March== | ||
* Habitat II is released in Japan on the NIFTY-serve service for Windows<ref> https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1997/Sep/habitat/habitat2_gaiyou.html</ref>. | |||
===19th=== | |||
* The Void is introduced into the Dreamscape<ref>Dreamscape Rollout Schedule - Email from Jeffery Douglas to Tony Christopher on 30 July 1997, https://renoproject.org/interviews/jefferydouglas.html</ref>. The Void was an area where punished avatars would be sent to for a time out, but it was introduced to the world via the means of a storyline. | |||
====Unknown Date==== | |||
* Habitat II is released in Japan on the NIFTY-serve service for Windows<ref>Overview of "Habitat II" - Fujitsu September 1997 Press Release, https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1997/Sep/habitat/habitat2_gaiyou.html</ref>. | |||
==April== | |||
===16th=== | |||
* WorldsAway version 1.1 is released<ref>Dreamscape Rollout Schedule - Email from Jeffery Douglas to Tony Christopher on 30 July 1997, https://renoproject.org/interviews/jefferydouglas.html</ref>. | |||
===26th=== | |||
* The grand opening of the Temple Street Terrace building is held in the Dreamscape and turfs are released for the first time<ref>Dreamscape Rollout Schedule - Email from Jeffery Douglas to Tony Christopher on 30 July 1997, https://renoproject.org/interviews/jefferydouglas.html</ref>. | |||
===29th=== | |||
* Fujitsu Cultural Technologies demoes WorldsAway & WebWorlds at the Spring Internet World '96 show held at the San Jose Convention Center, April 29th - May 2nd 1996<ref>FUJITSU DEMOS VIRTUAL WORLDS FOR THE WEB AT SPRING INTERNET | |||
WORLD `96 - Press Release, https://web.archive.org/web/19961120223153/http://www.worldsaway.com/Worldsaway/press2/webw.html</ref>. | |||
==July== | ==July== | ||
* The Sega Saturn client for Habitat II is released<ref> https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1997/Sep/habitat/habitat2_gaiyou.html</ref>. | * The Sega Saturn client for Habitat II is released<ref>Overview of "Habitat II" - Fujitsu September 1997 Press Release, https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1997/Sep/habitat/habitat2_gaiyou.html</ref>. | ||
====Unknown Date==== | |||
* Fujitsu Open System Solutions, Inc. (FOSSI) was renamed to Fujitsu Software Corporation. In addition, the WorldsAway team, formerly known as Fujitsu Cultural Technologies (FCT), becomes part of the Multimedia division of Fujitsu Software Corporation<ref>The Dreamscape Team Newsletter - Vol. 1, Issue 1-- July 1996 - https://wiki.renoproject.org/index.php/WorldsAway_Newsletters#The_Dreamscape_Team_Newsletter_-_Vol._1%2C_Issue_1--_July_1996</ref>. | |||
==August== | |||
* The Promenade hatchery area of the Dreamscape is redesigned<ref>Dreamscape Rollout Schedule - Email from Jeffery Douglas to Tony Christopher on 30 July 1997, https://renoproject.org/interviews/jefferydouglas.html</ref>. | |||
* Acolytes in the Dreamscape are given moderation powers for the first time<ref>Dreamscape Rollout Schedule - Email from Jeffery Douglas to Tony Christopher on 30 July 1997, https://renoproject.org/interviews/jefferydouglas.html</ref>. Prior to this, the only tools they had were to talk, or to turn things nuclear by forwarding it to the Oracles who could banish someone. Acolytes were given the power to freeze an avatar so they couldn't move, they could mute an avatar so it could not talk and they could force your avatar to become a ghost. | |||
==October== | ==October== | ||
===1st=== | ===1st=== | ||
* Pride Media, Ltd launch the Pride! WorldsAway based virtual world<ref> https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1997/Sep/habitat/cybercom.html</ref>. | * Pride Media, Ltd launch the Pride! WorldsAway based virtual world<ref>Pride! Universe on CompuServe offers virtual world for the gay and lesbian community- Pride Media & Fujitsu October 1996 joint Press Release, https://web.archive.org/web/19971108123544fw_/http://www.pridemedia.com/release-universe.html</ref><ref>Virtual reality world opens its doors to gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders on CompuServe, https://web.archive.org/web/19971108123537fw_/http://www.pridemedia.com/release-compuserve.html</ref><ref>Global expansion/system expansion of "Habitat II" - Fujitsu September 1997 Press Release, https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1997/Sep/habitat/cybercom.html</ref>. | ||
==November== | ==November== | ||
* Habitat II opens up access to the entire internet, as well as maintaining access via NIFTY-serve<ref> https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1997/Sep/habitat/habitat2_gaiyou.html</ref>. | ===1st=== | ||
* The Meditation Park area opens in the Dreamscape<ref>The Dreamscape Team Newsletter - Vol. 1, Issue 4-- November, 1996, https://wiki.renoproject.org/index.php/WorldsAway_Newsletters#The_Dreamscape_Team_Newsletter_-_Vol._1,_Issue_4--_November,_1996</ref>. | |||
===26th=== | |||
* Habitat II opens up access to the entire internet, as well as maintaining access via NIFTY-serve<ref>Overview of "Habitat II" - Fujitsu September 1997 Press Release, https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1997/Sep/habitat/habitat2_gaiyou.html</ref><ref>Virtual community "Habitat II" Internet service started, Fujitsu November 1996 Press Release, https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1996/Nov/15-2.html</ref>. The client software is given away for free, instead of being paid for as it was previously<ref>Fujitsu Habitat history - https://web.archive.org/web/20160812162115/http://www.j-chat.net/habitat/history.html</ref>. | |||
====Unknown Date==== | |||
* The Macintosh client for Habitat II is released<ref>Overview of "Habitat II" - Fujitsu September 1997 Press Release, https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1997/Sep/habitat/habitat2_gaiyou.html</ref>. | |||
=1997= | =1997= | ||
==March== | |||
* The Isle Caribe area is opened in the Dreamscape<ref>Dreamscape Rollout Schedule - Email from Jeffery Douglas to Tony Christopher on 30 July 1997, https://renoproject.org/interviews/jefferydouglas.html</ref>. | |||
==May== | |||
===1st=== | |||
* CJ CheilJedang launch Glass City in Korea under license from Fujitsu Limited in Japan and Fujitsu Korea<ref>Korean version of Habitat II "Yuridosi (Glass City)" has started - Fujitsu April 1997 Press Release, https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1997/Apr/30.html</ref><ref>Global expansion/system expansion of "Habitat II" - Fujitsu September 1997 Press Release, https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1997/Sep/habitat/cybercom.html</ref>. | |||
==June== | |||
* The Monument Park area opens in the Dreamscape<ref>Dreamscape Rollout Schedule - Email from Jeffery Douglas to Tony Christopher on 30 July 1997, https://renoproject.org/interviews/jefferydouglas.html</ref>. | |||
==July== | ==July== | ||
* WorldsAway releases the 2.0 | |||
===7th=== | |||
* WorldsAway releases the WorldsAway 2.0 client and the Dreamscape is taken offline temporarily to convert the object database to the 2.0 format<ref>WorldsAway News October 6, 1997, https://web.archive.org/web/19971022004132/http://www.worldsaway.com/kymer/letter9.shtml</ref><ref>Dreamscape Rollout Schedule - Email from Jeffery Douglas to Tony Christopher on 30 July 1997, https://renoproject.org/interviews/jefferydouglas.html</ref><ref>Dreamscape Transition to 2.0: A letter from the WorldsAway Team - July 6, 1997, https://web.archive.org/web/19971022013303/http://www.worldsaway.com/kymer/letter6.html</ref>. | |||
==September== | |||
===16th=== | |||
* Habitat/3D is released by Fujitsu in Japan. Habitat/3D was a separate VRML compliant Java application that had virtual spaces you could explore. An object called an Agora door was placed in Habitat II which connected both of the worlds together. If you accessed Habitat/3D via Habitat II, your name, gender and general appearance would be recreated in Habitat/3D<ref>Added communication function in 3D space to "Habitat II" - Fujitsu September 1997 Press Release, https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1997/Sep/5.html</ref>. | |||
==October== | |||
===1st=== | |||
* The WorldsAway Products and Services group is moved from being a part of Fujitsu Software Corporation, to being under the control of Fujitsu Business Systems of America<ref>WorldsAway News October 6, 1997, https://web.archive.org/web/19971022004132/http://www.worldsaway.com/kymer/letter9.shtml</ref>. | |||
===6th=== | |||
* The Dreamscape is finally made available to internet users instead of being available on Compuserve only<ref>WorldsAway News October 6, 1997, https://web.archive.org/web/19971022004132/http://www.worldsaway.com/kymer/letter9.shtml</ref>. | |||
===22nd=== | |||
* The Avatars 97 conference begins in San Francisco, USA and EC Habitats is debuted publicly for the first time. WorldsAway also has a demo booth at the event, which ran from 22nd October 1997 until 24th October 1997. | |||
====Unknown Date==== | |||
* Fujitsu Software Corporation announce that its two established virtual worlds, Dreamscape and Pride! Universe, are now available on the Internet.<ref>Spectrum: Interactive Media & Online Developer News 27 October 1997, https://web.archive.org/web/19990922003210/http://www.3dlinks.com/spectrum/issues/spectrum-oct-27-97.cfm</ref> | |||
==Unknown Date== | ==Unknown Date== | ||
Line 88: | Line 282: | ||
* Tim Lavalli is hired at Fujitsu Software Corporation and becomes known in the Dreamscape as Brother Echo. | * Tim Lavalli is hired at Fujitsu Software Corporation and becomes known in the Dreamscape as Brother Echo. | ||
* Jeffrey Douglas who was formerly known as Oracle Vaserius in the Dreamscape, leaves Fujitsu. | * Jeffrey Douglas who was formerly known as Oracle Vaserius in the Dreamscape, leaves Fujitsu. | ||
* Hallway is renamed to Hotel Silicon. | * Hallway is renamed to Hotel Silicon. | ||
* Electric Communities invite people to participate in the EC Habitats beta program. | * Electric Communities invite people to participate in the EC Habitats beta program. | ||
=1998= | =1998= | ||
==January== | |||
* Habitat II opens their Graceville world, a clone of the Dreamscape world, using the WorldsAway 2.0 client and server architecture<ref>Fujitsu Habitat history - https://web.archive.org/web/20160812162115/http://www.j-chat.net/habitat/history.html</ref>. | |||
==February== | |||
===Unknown Date=== | |||
* Development of Club Connect begins<ref>Delphi Forums "Save Our Worlds" forum post by Teague, VZones Member Support "If Robert kills DS/VZC in favour of SeduCity, would you go to SC?" - October 2001, http://forums.delphiforums.com/saveourworlds/messages/?msg=104.25&gid=2092731848</ref>. | |||
==July== | |||
===24th=== | |||
* Fujitsu launch a virtual world aimed at adults called Club Connect<ref>WorldsAway About Us Page - October 1999, https://web.archive.org/web/19991022021840/http://www.worldsaway.com/aboutus/</ref><ref>Delphi Forums "Save Our Worlds" forum post by Teague, VZones Member Support "If Robert kills DS/VZC in favour of SeduCity, would you go to SC?" - October 2001, http://forums.delphiforums.com/saveourworlds/messages/?msg=104.25&gid=2092731848</ref><ref>Meeting with Tim Lavalli - July 12th, 1998, https://wiki.renoproject.org/index.php/Meeting_with_Tim_Lavalli_-_July_12th,_1998</ref>. | |||
==November== | |||
====Unknown Date==== | |||
* Hotel Silicon merges with Club Connect to create New Radio World in partnership with a company called New Radio Star<ref>Delphi Forums "Save Our Worlds" forum post by Teague, VZones Member Support "If Robert kills DS/VZC in favour of SeduCity, would you go to SC?" - October 2001, http://forums.delphiforums.com/saveourworlds/messages/?msg=104.25&gid=2092731848</ref>. | |||
==December== | |||
* Detroit was the first city to open in New Radio World in partnership with the WRIF radio station<ref>Delphi Forums "Save Our Worlds" forum post by Teague, VZones Member Support "If Robert kills DS/VZC in favour of SeduCity, would you go to SC?" - October 2001, http://forums.delphiforums.com/saveourworlds/messages/?msg=104.25&gid=2092731848</ref>. | |||
==Unknown Date== | ==Unknown Date== | ||
* Scott Moore who was formerly known as Oracle Teresias in the Dreamscape, leaves Fujitsu. | * Scott Moore who was formerly known as Oracle Teresias in the Dreamscape, leaves Fujitsu. | ||
* | * Electric Communities acquires OnLive! Technologies and The Palace. | ||
=1999= | =1999= | ||
==February== | |||
* The Delphi Forums area opens up in New Radio World. This is notable because it was the first "free trap area"<ref>Delphi Forums "Save Our Worlds" forum post by Teague, VZones Member Support "If Robert kills DS/VZC in favour of SeduCity, would you go to SC?" - October 2001, http://forums.delphiforums.com/saveourworlds/messages/?msg=104.25&gid=2092731848</ref>. This was a mechanism where you could sign up for a free account via a business affiliated with the world, but only be able to access a limited selection of regions and not exit into the main world. People were encouraged to convert to a paid account to access the rest of New Radio World. | |||
==March== | |||
===31st=== | |||
* Fujitsu Habitat ceases operation<ref>Rousi's Habitat Page, https://web.archive.org/web/20230822045939/http://rousi.com/habi/index.html</ref><ref>Fujitsu Habitat history - https://web.archive.org/web/20160812162115/http://www.j-chat.net/habitat/history.html</ref>. | |||
==May== | ==May== | ||
* The WorldsAway Products and Services group in the USA is sold by Fujitsu Systems Business of America | |||
* Inworlds.com, Inc is | ===1st=== | ||
* The WorldsAway Products and Services group in the USA is sold by Fujitsu Systems Business of America to Inworlds.com, Inc, which was a company led by former Vice President of the WorldsAway Products and Services Business Unit, David Andrews<ref>Club Connect Press Release - July 20, 1998, https://web.archive.org/web/19991022040726/http://www.worldsaway.com:80/aboutus/consumer.html</ref>. The WorldsAway Products and Services group led development of the software, created new artwork, operated several virtual worlds and marketed them too. The Products and Services group was sponsored by Fujitsu Limited in Japan<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/19961120221938/http://www.worldsaway.com/away2.html</ref><ref>FUJITSU GETS WIRED (int'l edition) - BusinessWeek, https://web.archive.org/web/19970628192110/http://www.businessweek.com/1996/12/b3467152.htm</ref>, who retained ownership of the WorldsAway property after the transaction was concluded<ref>New Radio World/WorldsAway Press Release - May 7th 1999, https://web.archive.org/web/19991021235058/http://www.newradioworld.com:80/members/announcement.html</ref><ref>Fujitsu/Inworlds.com Press Release - May 7th 1999, https://web.archive.org/web/20000125231351/worldsaway.net/letter.html</ref>. | |||
* Inworlds.com licensed the WorldsAway technology from Fujitsu Limited in Japan. Pride! Universe, Habitat II and Glass City remained separately owned and maintained entities from Inworlds.com, Inc<ref>New Radio World/WorldsAway Press Release - May 7th 1999, https://web.archive.org/web/19991021235058/http://www.newradioworld.com:80/members/announcement.html</ref> <ref>Fujitsu/Inworlds.com Press Release - May 7th 1999, https://web.archive.org/web/20000125231351/worldsaway.net/letter.html</ref> <ref>Delphi chat with Delilah/Eva Gailey - July 13th, 2000, https://web.archive.org/web/20030526194710/http://www.vplanet.org/archives/articles/rw/mgrw00713-35.htm</ref>. | |||
==June== | |||
===14th=== | |||
* Avaterra.com, Inc file for a trademark for their logo with the United States Patent and Trademark Office<ref>United States Patent and Trademark Office - Serial Number 75728185, https://tmsearch.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=4802:yri2e4.3.1</ref> | |||
===28th=== | |||
* Avaterra.com, Inc announce via a press release that they have completed the acquisition of WorldsAway, a division of Fujitsu’s Products and Services Group. Fujitsu Systems Business of America retained a 10% stake in Avaterra.com, and held a position on the board<ref>Avaterra.com Completes Acquisition of Virtual Communities From Fujitsu - Press Release - June 28th 1999, https://indexarticles.com/business/business-wire/avaterra-com-completes-acquisition-of-virtual-communities-from-fujitsu/</ref><ref>Bloomberg Business Wire recap listing the press release, https://www.bloomberg.com/press-releases/1999-06-28/editors-kv840ypx</ref>. It is mentioned that Avaterra.com, Inc derived revenue from its unique advertising venues, fee-based membership, custom virtual community development and software co-licensing<ref>Avaterra.com Completes Acquisition of Virtual Communities From Fujitsu - Press Release - June 28th 1999, https://indexarticles.com/business/business-wire/avaterra-com-completes-acquisition-of-virtual-communities-from-fujitsu/</ref>. | |||
====Unknown Date==== | |||
* Avaterra.com, Inc formally launched its new corporate name and demonstrated its AdObject technology for next-generation Internet advertising at the Web Attack conference in San Francisco<ref>Avaterra.com Launches With AdObject Technology - Press Release - June 18th 1999, https://www.clickz.com/avaterra-com-launches-with-adobject-technology/</ref><ref>Delphi Forums "Save Our Worlds" forum post by Teague, VZones Member Support "If Robert kills DS/VZC in favour of SeduCity, would you go to SC?" - October 2001, http://forums.delphiforums.com/saveourworlds/messages/?msg=104.25&gid=2092731848</ref>. | |||
==August== | |||
====Unknown Date==== | |||
* Habitat 2 software is discontinued at the end of August 1999 in favor of a rebrand to J-Chat<ref>Rousi's Habitat Page, https://web.archive.org/web/20230822045939/http://rousi.com/habi/index.html</ref>. | |||
==September== | |||
===1st=== | |||
* Fujitsu Limited in Japan license WorldsAway to Fujitsu Parex, a subsidiary who they collaborated with for many years. On this day, the J-Chat service is launched<ref>"J-Chat ~ Beach on The Net ~" membership community service started - Fujitsu August 1999 Press Release, https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1999/Aug/30.html</ref><ref>G-Search History Page, https://www.g-search.jp/en/history/</ref>. | |||
==November== | |||
====Unknown Date==== | |||
* In late November, a presentation is given by representatives of Avaterra Europe (Eric Diamond and John Freeman) to Paramount Digital Entertainment regarding the possibility of a licensed Star Trek world or area<ref>VZSciFi Composition - 17 Licensed Zones: Star Trek - Meetings Reports - November 1999, https://renoproject.org/pub/VZones/VZSciFi/VZSciFi%20Design%20Site/17strekmeet.htm</ref>. | |||
==Unknown Date== | ==Unknown Date== | ||
* Version 2.4 of the WorldsAway client is released. It would be the final release by Fujitsu to bear the name WorldsAway. | * Version 2.4 of the WorldsAway client is released. It would be the final release by Fujitsu to bear the name WorldsAway. | ||
* Avaterra moves the former WorldsAway Products and Services group offices from San Jose, CA to Palo Alto, CA. | * Avaterra moves the former WorldsAway Products and Services group offices from San Jose, CA to Palo Alto, CA. | ||
* Avaterra rebrand themselves as VZones. They continue to trade as Avaterra, but the service itself becomes known as VZones. | * Avaterra rebrand themselves as VZones. They continue to trade as Avaterra, but the service itself becomes known as VZones. | ||
Line 117: | Line 363: | ||
=2000= | =2000= | ||
==March== | |||
===22nd=== | |||
* Avaterra release version 3.0 of the VZones client<ref>VZones v3.0 is here! - Avaterra Newsletter - March 2000</ref><ref>Reactions to VZones 3.0 - Virtual Planet News Article - March 24th, 2000, https://web.archive.org/web/20030526193450/http://www.vplanet.org/archives/articles/opinion/vco00324.htm</ref>. This is the final client release created by members of the original development team who used to work for Fujitsu but moved over to Avaterra. Macintosh client development ends on this date. | |||
==April== | |||
===22nd=== | |||
* Avaterra Europe releases an area in VZConnections called VZSciFi, which was an entirely self contained area in VZC, complete with backstory and unique 3D pre-rendered artwork<ref>VZSciFi GO Event - VZnews Archives - April 21st, 2000, https://web.archive.org/web/20001003045739/http://vzmembers.com/events/specialevents/scifigo.htm</ref><ref>VZSciFi Semi Fictional Timeline, https://wiki.renoproject.org/index.php/VZSciFi_Semi-Fictional_Timeline</ref>. | |||
==June== | |||
===17th=== | |||
* Avaterra Europe Ltd goes into voluntary liquidation following the withdrawal of support from the US parent company, Avaterra.com, Inc<ref>Interview with John Freeman - VZSciFi Project Manager, https://renoproject.org/john-freeman-interview/</ref>. | |||
==July== | |||
===9th=== | |||
* The RAID controller drive in the server that hosted the VZones worlds fails after a scheduled routine maintenance by their ISP, Global, resulting in all worlds being taken offline. | |||
===24th=== | |||
* Access to Pride and the Dreamscape is restored<ref>More News From SWAT Team - Shawnee Chance 2 - July 24, 2000, https://web.archive.org/web/20030526194710/http://www.vplanet.org/archives/articles/rw/scrw0724a.htm</ref>. | |||
====Unknown Date==== | |||
* A "SWAT Team" is assembled of former Fujitsu and Avaterra staff members and volunteers to figure out the issues with the hard drive failure and bring the worlds back online. | |||
==December== | |||
===10th=== | |||
* Queery Universe (formerly known as "Pride Universe", or simply "Pride!"), operated by Pride Media Inc. closed on December 10, 2000<ref>Queery Universe Closing - Virtual Planet Archives, https://web.archive.org/web/20030420043234/http://www.vplanet.org/</ref>. Members of Queery Universe were offered 6 months of free membership in either Dreamscape or VZconnections. Billing for Queery Universe was discontinued as of November 11th. | |||
==Unknown Date== | ==Unknown Date== | ||
* Avaterra.com, Inc goes bankrupt. | * Avaterra.com, Inc goes bankrupt. | ||
* Avaterra Canada closes. | * Avaterra Canada closes. | ||
* The VZones service is down for a month due to non payment of hosting bills. Robert Dunbar, a former remote assistant, steps in to try and raise the funds to pay the bill and get services operational. | * The VZones service is down for a month due to non payment of hosting bills. Robert Dunbar, a former remote assistant, steps in to try and raise the funds to pay the bill and get services operational. | ||
* | * Robert Dunbar is given the World Manager role and given limited operational control over VZones<ref>Save Our Worlds Chat - Virtual Planet Archives, https://web.archive.org/web/20040704205027/http://www.vplanet.org/archives/articles/news_2001/scn10331a.htm</ref>. | ||
* VZones starts selling inworld objects for real money. The name given to the program that sold the objects was called AvatarWares. The money is used to pay off debt accrued after Avaterra imploded (to the hosting company and to former staff members). | |||
=2001= | =2001= | ||
== | ==March== | ||
* | |||
===31st=== | |||
* Habitat II's Elysium service closes down<ref>Rousi's Habitat Page, https://web.archive.org/web/20230822045939/http://rousi.com/habi/index.html</ref><ref>Fujitsu Habitat history - https://web.archive.org/web/20160812162115/http://www.j-chat.net/habitat/history.html</ref>. | |||
==May== | |||
===25th=== | |||
* Habitat II's Graceville service closes down<ref>Rousi's Habitat Page, https://web.archive.org/web/20230822045939/http://rousi.com/habi/index.html</ref><ref>Fujitsu Habitat history - https://web.archive.org/web/20160812162115/http://www.j-chat.net/habitat/history.html</ref>. | |||
* | ====Unknown Date==== | ||
* A contract is signed between Avaterra and Robert Dunbars company before the board of directors, transferring Avaterras software license to Virtual Universe, Inc which includes the Dreamscape and VZConnections worlds<ref>Announcement on the Future of our Virtual Worlds - Virtual Planet Archives, https://web.archive.org/web/20040704204800/http://www.vplanet.org/archives/articles/news_2001/rin10328a.htm</ref>. | |||
* VZones | * David Andrews, former Fujitsu executive and Avaterra CEO, returns to the fold and takes over operation of the VZones service from Robert Dunbar. David Andrews company that took over operation of VZones was called Stratagem Corporation. | ||
* VZones launches a virtual world aimed at adults with a sexual theme and naked bodies that could perform simulated sexual acts. The world was called Seducity. | * VZones launches a virtual world aimed at adults with a sexual theme and naked bodies that could perform simulated sexual acts. The world was called Seducity. | ||
=2002= | =2002= | ||
==April== | |||
===13th=== | |||
* VZones launch the Second Kingdom virtual world<ref>Second Kingdom Information — Virtual Planet News Article - April 12th, 2002, https://web.archive.org/web/20040912233543/http://www.vplanet.org/archives/articles/news_2002/scn20412a.htm</ref>. A world created with a deep mythology and focus on storyline and questing. It was unique in that spells could be used inworld and this was the first public use of magic in a WorldsAway world. | |||
==September== | |||
* J-Chat starts selling in-game items for real money for the first time<ref>Fujitsu Habitat history - https://web.archive.org/web/20160812162115/http://www.j-chat.net/habitat/history.html</ref>. | |||
=2003= | =2003= | ||
==March== | |||
* SanrioWorld launches in Japan<ref>SanrioWorld website - April 18th, 2003 - https://web.archive.org/web/20030418011608fw_/http://www.sanriowave.com/world/new2.html</ref>. | |||
==Unknown Date== | ==Unknown Date== | ||
* | * Fujitsu Limited license WorldsAway to Sanrio Company, Ltd who launch their SanrioWorld service in Japan featuring all new artwork, including art from Sanrio’s Hello Kitty brand<ref>SanrioWorld website - April 8th, 2003, https://web.archive.org/web/20030408003957/http://www.sanriowave.com/world/</ref>. | ||
=2004= | =2004= | ||
==July== | |||
* Fujitsu Parex merges with G-Search, Ltd who operate and maintain the J-Chat service. G-Search, Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited in Japan<ref>G-Search History Page, https://www.g-search.jp/en/history/</ref>. | |||
==October== | |||
===2nd=== | |||
* Stratagem Corporation launched the "Virtual Votes" virtual world.<ref>Stratagem Corporation September 2004 Press Release, https://web.archive.org/web/20041012030810/http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2004/9/emw160140.htm</ref><ref>Terra Nova Blog - October 2004, https://terranova.blogs.com/terra_nova/2004/10/virtual_world_r.html</ref>. | |||
==November== | |||
===3rd=== | |||
* Stratagem Corporation closes the "Virtual Votes" virtual world.<ref>Stratagem Corporation September 2004 Press Release, https://web.archive.org/web/20041012030810/http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2004/9/emw160140.htm</ref>. | |||
=2005= | =2005= | ||
Line 155: | Line 462: | ||
=2007= | =2007= | ||
==March== | |||
===31st=== | |||
* SanrioWorld closes their service down<ref>Rousi's Habitat Page, https://web.archive.org/web/20230822045939/http://rousi.com/habi/index.html</ref>. | |||
==Unknown Date== | ==Unknown Date== | ||
* An unauthorised Glass City opens privately, by one of the former Glass City server engineers. | * An unauthorised Glass City service opens privately, by one of the former Glass City server engineers. | ||
=2008= | =2008= | ||
Line 168: | Line 480: | ||
===26th=== | ===26th=== | ||
* G-Search, Ltd shuts down the J-Chat service. | * G-Search, Ltd shuts down the J-Chat service<ref>J-Chat Home Page - December 2010, https://web.archive.org/web/20101230070135/http://j-chat.net/</ref>. | ||
=2011= | =2011= | ||
Line 184: | Line 496: | ||
* MetroWorlds, an officially licensed WorldsAway world, launch the Eden beta world. | * MetroWorlds, an officially licensed WorldsAway world, launch the Eden beta world. | ||
==Unknown Date== | ==September== | ||
===28th=== | |||
* A [https://renoproject.org/imagearchive/index.php?/category/337 hackathon] was held at The MADE to attempt to get Habitat operational again. This event was attended by Chip Morningstar and Randy Farmer. A basic region was created using packet crafting and the first Habitat region in 20 years was able to be successfully displayed. | |||
====Unknown Date==== | |||
* Lucasfilm’s Habitat, which was later purchased by Fujitsu, was made open source thanks to the efforts of The Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment in Oakland, California. | * Lucasfilm’s Habitat, which was later purchased by Fujitsu, was made open source thanks to the efforts of The Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment in Oakland, California. | ||
=2015= | =2015= | ||
Line 210: | Line 526: | ||
=2021= | =2021= | ||
=2023= | |||
==May== | |||
===29th=== | |||
* After being hosted by NeoHabitat contributor Steve Salevan for the past 5 years, the public NeoHabitat server instance is transferred over to the custody of The Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment. | |||
<br> |
Latest revision as of 20:55, 4 September 2024
The plan for this page is to have a bullet point list of all major events that occurred in the timeline from Habitat until the present day. These will be presented in chronological order and wherever possible, links and citations will be given.
If you can provide a date for a major event or can confirm one, please get in touch with us. If you have proof of these dates but cannot publicly share them, we can discuss this to confirm the authenticity of the information.
1985
July
- Charlie Kellner and Chip Morningstar discuss ideas for "microworld".[1]
September
4th
- Steve Arnold of Lucasfilm Games and Steve Case of Quantum Link discuss Mr Case's desire for a project with a quick turnaround and Chip Morningstar's proposal for Habitat is mentioned[2].
5th
- Steve Arnold writes a letter to Steve Case and sends him the written proposal for Habitat that Chip Morningstar wrote[3].
October
7th
- Chip Morningstar flies to the Quantum Link offices in Vienna, VA and meets with Marc Seriff (VP of engineering and product development), Ken Huntsman (programmer) and Janet Hunter (programmer and later integral member of the Habitat team)[4].
8th
- Chip Morningstar and Steve Arnold meet with Marc Seriff, Ken Huntsman and Janet Hunter[5].
- Chip Morningstar and Steve Arnold meet with Marc Seriff, Clive Smith from Commodore, the president of Quantum Link and Quantum's software contracts lawyer[6].
November
4th
- Aric Wilmunder joins the Habitat development team full time.[7]
18th
- Randy Farmer joins the Habitat development team full time.[8]
Unknown Date
- Development of Habitat begins, initially called MicroCosm.
1986
June
- Habitat is demoed at the 20th Consumer Electronics Show in Chicago, USA[9]. Randy Farmer, Aric Wilmunder and Janet Hunter were in attendance[10]
September
16th
November
3rd
- At a meeting with Quantum Link, it is decided that in Habitat, all logged out users will be turned into to ghosts, rather than being left on the ground turned to stone[14].
Unknown Date
- The Habitat closed pilot test begins[15].
1987
August
Unknown Date
- Lucasfilm's Habitat is opened up for beta testing to a wider selection of users that were invited in small batches[16]. Users had to pay to access Habitat during this time[17].
1988
May
5th
- The Habitat beta test comes to a close[18].
July
- Randy Farmer replaces the title screen and the hatchery text in the Habitat client to rebrand it as Club Caribe for Quantum Link[19]
August
21st
- Fujitsu representatives attend the Habitat Technology Transfer Seminar at Skywalker Ranch in Marin County, California, USA. The seminar is held from Monday, August 21, 1988 through Friday, August 25, 1988[20]. A notable attendee is Kazutomo Fukuda, who would go on to be in charge of Fujitsu Habitat and Habitat II.
October
1989
February
- Fujitsu Habitat is demoed at Asia Telecom ‘89 in Singapore by a team from Fujitsu alongside Chip Morningstar and Randy Farmer[24][25].
March
- Fujitsu Habitat was debuted in Japan at "Denno Amusement Park IN Tokyo Dome" where Fujitsu's personal computer the "FM-TOWNS" was also unveiled[26].
July
- Club Caribe is released on Quantum Link.
October
- Fujitsu Habitat monitor test begins[27].
1990
January
26th
- Fujitsu Habitat officially begins service, initially being free to play[28].
February
10th
- Fujitsu Habitat is officially released on the FM-TOWNS computer and becomes a paid service[29][30][31][32].
1991
August
September
- Fujitsu acquire key staff from UniSoft Corporation, a software house specialising in UNIX[34]. They use these staff to form Fujitsu Open Systems Solutions, inc, a UNIX research and development venture. Fujitsu Open Systems Solutions, inc would later be the company that Electric Communities worked alongside with to create WorldsAway in 1994.
October
1992
1993
September
21st
- The FINE plan presentation is made by Electric Communities to Fujitsu Limited in Kawasaki, Japan[36]. The FINE plan stands for the Future Interactive Network Environment - An Introduction to Global Cyberspace.
28th
- The earliest recorded attempt by Chip Morningstar attempting to compile the Fujitsu Habitat source in preparation for porting Fujitsu Habitat to Windows is made[37]. This was the original plan for WorldsAway before it was realised that the Fujitsu Habitat source code wasn't going to work and that it would be faster to write WorldsAway from scratch. Earlier dates of August 1993 are present but aren't verifiable as the date when Chip first received the source code and began work.
Unknown Date
- Fujitsu Limited acquire the Habitat intellectual property from Lucasfilm[38].
- Development of WorldsAway begins under Fujitsu Open Systems Solutions, inc (originally UniSoft, which was acquired by Fujitsu)[39][40].
1994
February
21st
- Club Caribe closes[41].
August
December
- The book "Online virtual reality" which was written by Fujitsu Habitat Oracles is published by Fujitsu Books[44].
1995
May
8th
- Ron Lichty joins Fujitsu Cultural Technologies as the head of Engineering[45].
July
- Douglas Crockford meets with Fujitsu Cultural Technologies on behalf of Electric Communities to discuss an ongoing support contract between them for WorldsAway. A bid for a support contract was made by Fujitsu but fell way short of Electric Communities expectations, with Fujitsu wanting to pay by the hour. A deal could not be made and the working relationship between Fujitsu and Electric Communities was terminated [46].
August
4th
- WorldsAway opens up the Dreamscape service in beta to testers on CompuServe. Testers would use version 0.8 of the WorldsAway client[47][48].
30th
- WorldsAway's Dreamscape world is made available to the general public for the first time[49].
Unknown Date
- Body Sprays are introduced into the Dreamscape[50].
September
10th
- WorldsAway begins to generate revenue for Fujitsu Cultural Technologies for the first time[51].
Unknown Date
- StarWay Cafe and the Temple of Morpheus are opened to the public in the Dreamscape[52].
- The first inworld wedding is held in the Dreamscape[53].
November
15th
- WorldsAway version 1.0 is officially released. This date actually becomes known each year as “Kymer New Year”, to celebrate the release of 1.0 in the Dreamscape, on the island of Kymer.
December
1st
- Fujitsu announces the availability of WorldsAway to CompuServe subscribers around the world[54].
15th
- WorldsAway is released on CompuServe CD's for the first time[55].
1996
February
27th
- Fujitsu announces plans for a new world called "WebWorld"[56].
March
19th
- The Void is introduced into the Dreamscape[57]. The Void was an area where punished avatars would be sent to for a time out, but it was introduced to the world via the means of a storyline.
Unknown Date
- Habitat II is released in Japan on the NIFTY-serve service for Windows[58].
April
16th
- WorldsAway version 1.1 is released[59].
26th
- The grand opening of the Temple Street Terrace building is held in the Dreamscape and turfs are released for the first time[60].
29th
- Fujitsu Cultural Technologies demoes WorldsAway & WebWorlds at the Spring Internet World '96 show held at the San Jose Convention Center, April 29th - May 2nd 1996[61].
July
- The Sega Saturn client for Habitat II is released[62].
Unknown Date
- Fujitsu Open System Solutions, Inc. (FOSSI) was renamed to Fujitsu Software Corporation. In addition, the WorldsAway team, formerly known as Fujitsu Cultural Technologies (FCT), becomes part of the Multimedia division of Fujitsu Software Corporation[63].
August
- The Promenade hatchery area of the Dreamscape is redesigned[64].
- Acolytes in the Dreamscape are given moderation powers for the first time[65]. Prior to this, the only tools they had were to talk, or to turn things nuclear by forwarding it to the Oracles who could banish someone. Acolytes were given the power to freeze an avatar so they couldn't move, they could mute an avatar so it could not talk and they could force your avatar to become a ghost.
October
1st
November
1st
- The Meditation Park area opens in the Dreamscape[69].
26th
- Habitat II opens up access to the entire internet, as well as maintaining access via NIFTY-serve[70][71]. The client software is given away for free, instead of being paid for as it was previously[72].
Unknown Date
- The Macintosh client for Habitat II is released[73].
1997
March
- The Isle Caribe area is opened in the Dreamscape[74].
May
1st
- CJ CheilJedang launch Glass City in Korea under license from Fujitsu Limited in Japan and Fujitsu Korea[75][76].
June
- The Monument Park area opens in the Dreamscape[77].
July
7th
- WorldsAway releases the WorldsAway 2.0 client and the Dreamscape is taken offline temporarily to convert the object database to the 2.0 format[78][79][80].
September
16th
- Habitat/3D is released by Fujitsu in Japan. Habitat/3D was a separate VRML compliant Java application that had virtual spaces you could explore. An object called an Agora door was placed in Habitat II which connected both of the worlds together. If you accessed Habitat/3D via Habitat II, your name, gender and general appearance would be recreated in Habitat/3D[81].
October
1st
- The WorldsAway Products and Services group is moved from being a part of Fujitsu Software Corporation, to being under the control of Fujitsu Business Systems of America[82].
6th
- The Dreamscape is finally made available to internet users instead of being available on Compuserve only[83].
22nd
- The Avatars 97 conference begins in San Francisco, USA and EC Habitats is debuted publicly for the first time. WorldsAway also has a demo booth at the event, which ran from 22nd October 1997 until 24th October 1997.
Unknown Date
- Fujitsu Software Corporation announce that its two established virtual worlds, Dreamscape and Pride! Universe, are now available on the Internet.[84]
Unknown Date
- Hallway is opened to the public as part of the beta test for WorldsAway 2.0.
- Tim Lavalli is hired at Fujitsu Software Corporation and becomes known in the Dreamscape as Brother Echo.
- Jeffrey Douglas who was formerly known as Oracle Vaserius in the Dreamscape, leaves Fujitsu.
- Hallway is renamed to Hotel Silicon.
- Electric Communities invite people to participate in the EC Habitats beta program.
1998
January
- Habitat II opens their Graceville world, a clone of the Dreamscape world, using the WorldsAway 2.0 client and server architecture[85].
February
Unknown Date
- Development of Club Connect begins[86].
July
24th
November
Unknown Date
- Hotel Silicon merges with Club Connect to create New Radio World in partnership with a company called New Radio Star[90].
December
- Detroit was the first city to open in New Radio World in partnership with the WRIF radio station[91].
Unknown Date
- Scott Moore who was formerly known as Oracle Teresias in the Dreamscape, leaves Fujitsu.
- Electric Communities acquires OnLive! Technologies and The Palace.
1999
February
- The Delphi Forums area opens up in New Radio World. This is notable because it was the first "free trap area"[92]. This was a mechanism where you could sign up for a free account via a business affiliated with the world, but only be able to access a limited selection of regions and not exit into the main world. People were encouraged to convert to a paid account to access the rest of New Radio World.
March
31st
May
1st
- The WorldsAway Products and Services group in the USA is sold by Fujitsu Systems Business of America to Inworlds.com, Inc, which was a company led by former Vice President of the WorldsAway Products and Services Business Unit, David Andrews[95]. The WorldsAway Products and Services group led development of the software, created new artwork, operated several virtual worlds and marketed them too. The Products and Services group was sponsored by Fujitsu Limited in Japan[96][97], who retained ownership of the WorldsAway property after the transaction was concluded[98][99].
- Inworlds.com licensed the WorldsAway technology from Fujitsu Limited in Japan. Pride! Universe, Habitat II and Glass City remained separately owned and maintained entities from Inworlds.com, Inc[100] [101] [102].
June
14th
- Avaterra.com, Inc file for a trademark for their logo with the United States Patent and Trademark Office[103]
28th
- Avaterra.com, Inc announce via a press release that they have completed the acquisition of WorldsAway, a division of Fujitsu’s Products and Services Group. Fujitsu Systems Business of America retained a 10% stake in Avaterra.com, and held a position on the board[104][105]. It is mentioned that Avaterra.com, Inc derived revenue from its unique advertising venues, fee-based membership, custom virtual community development and software co-licensing[106].
Unknown Date
- Avaterra.com, Inc formally launched its new corporate name and demonstrated its AdObject technology for next-generation Internet advertising at the Web Attack conference in San Francisco[107][108].
August
Unknown Date
- Habitat 2 software is discontinued at the end of August 1999 in favor of a rebrand to J-Chat[109].
September
1st
- Fujitsu Limited in Japan license WorldsAway to Fujitsu Parex, a subsidiary who they collaborated with for many years. On this day, the J-Chat service is launched[110][111].
November
Unknown Date
- In late November, a presentation is given by representatives of Avaterra Europe (Eric Diamond and John Freeman) to Paramount Digital Entertainment regarding the possibility of a licensed Star Trek world or area[112].
Unknown Date
- Version 2.4 of the WorldsAway client is released. It would be the final release by Fujitsu to bear the name WorldsAway.
- Avaterra moves the former WorldsAway Products and Services group offices from San Jose, CA to Palo Alto, CA.
- Avaterra rebrand themselves as VZones. They continue to trade as Avaterra, but the service itself becomes known as VZones.
- New Radio World is rebranded as VZConnections.
2000
March
22nd
- Avaterra release version 3.0 of the VZones client[113][114]. This is the final client release created by members of the original development team who used to work for Fujitsu but moved over to Avaterra. Macintosh client development ends on this date.
April
22nd
- Avaterra Europe releases an area in VZConnections called VZSciFi, which was an entirely self contained area in VZC, complete with backstory and unique 3D pre-rendered artwork[115][116].
June
17th
- Avaterra Europe Ltd goes into voluntary liquidation following the withdrawal of support from the US parent company, Avaterra.com, Inc[117].
July
9th
- The RAID controller drive in the server that hosted the VZones worlds fails after a scheduled routine maintenance by their ISP, Global, resulting in all worlds being taken offline.
24th
- Access to Pride and the Dreamscape is restored[118].
Unknown Date
- A "SWAT Team" is assembled of former Fujitsu and Avaterra staff members and volunteers to figure out the issues with the hard drive failure and bring the worlds back online.
December
10th
- Queery Universe (formerly known as "Pride Universe", or simply "Pride!"), operated by Pride Media Inc. closed on December 10, 2000[119]. Members of Queery Universe were offered 6 months of free membership in either Dreamscape or VZconnections. Billing for Queery Universe was discontinued as of November 11th.
Unknown Date
- Avaterra.com, Inc goes bankrupt.
- Avaterra Canada closes.
- The VZones service is down for a month due to non payment of hosting bills. Robert Dunbar, a former remote assistant, steps in to try and raise the funds to pay the bill and get services operational.
- Robert Dunbar is given the World Manager role and given limited operational control over VZones[120].
- VZones starts selling inworld objects for real money. The name given to the program that sold the objects was called AvatarWares. The money is used to pay off debt accrued after Avaterra imploded (to the hosting company and to former staff members).
2001
March
31st
May
25th
Unknown Date
- A contract is signed between Avaterra and Robert Dunbars company before the board of directors, transferring Avaterras software license to Virtual Universe, Inc which includes the Dreamscape and VZConnections worlds[125].
- David Andrews, former Fujitsu executive and Avaterra CEO, returns to the fold and takes over operation of the VZones service from Robert Dunbar. David Andrews company that took over operation of VZones was called Stratagem Corporation.
- VZones launches a virtual world aimed at adults with a sexual theme and naked bodies that could perform simulated sexual acts. The world was called Seducity.
2002
April
13th
- VZones launch the Second Kingdom virtual world[126]. A world created with a deep mythology and focus on storyline and questing. It was unique in that spells could be used inworld and this was the first public use of magic in a WorldsAway world.
September
- J-Chat starts selling in-game items for real money for the first time[127].
2003
March
- SanrioWorld launches in Japan[128].
Unknown Date
- Fujitsu Limited license WorldsAway to Sanrio Company, Ltd who launch their SanrioWorld service in Japan featuring all new artwork, including art from Sanrio’s Hello Kitty brand[129].
2004
July
- Fujitsu Parex merges with G-Search, Ltd who operate and maintain the J-Chat service. G-Search, Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujitsu Limited in Japan[130].
October
2nd
November
3rd
- Stratagem Corporation closes the "Virtual Votes" virtual world.[133].
2005
2006
Unknown Date
- David Andrews sells Stratagem Corporation to Justine Reichman, who takes over operation of the VZones service.
2007
March
31st
- SanrioWorld closes their service down[134].
Unknown Date
- An unauthorised Glass City service opens privately, by one of the former Glass City server engineers.
2008
2009
2010
January
26th
- G-Search, Ltd shuts down the J-Chat service[135].
2011
2012
2013
2014
July
- Due to non payment of server hosting bills, the VZones service closes its doors without any announcements and the owner, Justine Reichman, goes completely silent.
August
- MetroWorlds, an officially licensed WorldsAway world, launch the Eden beta world.
September
28th
- A hackathon was held at The MADE to attempt to get Habitat operational again. This event was attended by Chip Morningstar and Randy Farmer. A basic region was created using packet crafting and the first Habitat region in 20 years was able to be successfully displayed.
Unknown Date
- Lucasfilm’s Habitat, which was later purchased by Fujitsu, was made open source thanks to the efforts of The Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment in Oakland, California.
2015
October
- MetroWorlds launch their main virtual world called Metropolis. The beta world known as Eden closes several weeks later.
2016
2017
November
- MetroWorlds shut down their Metropolis service.
Unknown Date
- Randy Farmer starts the NeoHabitat project. A recreation of the original Habitat server, using a modern programming language. This happens after three years of attempting to get clearance for some missing files needed to compile the original Habitat server code on the original hardware.
2018
2019
2020
2021
2023
May
29th
- After being hosted by NeoHabitat contributor Steve Salevan for the past 5 years, the public NeoHabitat server instance is transferred over to the custody of The Museum of Art and Digital Entertainment.
- ^ E-mail from Charlie Kellner - July 18th, 1985, https://github.com/Museum-of-Art-and-Digital-Entertainment/habitat/blob/master/chip/habitat/docs/archives/worldComments
- ^ Lucasfilm Games MicroCosm Proposal - September 5th, 1985, https://archive.org/details/lucas-film-micro-cosm-proposal
- ^ Lucasfilm Games MicroCosm Proposal - September 5th, 1985, https://archive.org/details/lucas-film-micro-cosm-proposal
- ^ Capsule summary of meeting with Quantum folk, October 7-8, 1985, at their offices in Vienna, VA., https://github.com/Museum-of-Art-and-Digital-Entertainment/habitat/blob/master/chip/habitat/docs/cya/meetingOct7.t
- ^ Capsule summary of meeting with Quantum folk, October 7-8, 1985, at their offices in Vienna, VA., https://github.com/Museum-of-Art-and-Digital-Entertainment/habitat/blob/master/chip/habitat/docs/cya/meetingOct7.t
- ^ Capsule summary of meeting with Quantum folk, October 7-8, 1985, at their offices in Vienna, VA., https://github.com/Museum-of-Art-and-Digital-Entertainment/habitat/blob/master/chip/habitat/docs/cya/meetingOct7.t
- ^ MicroCosm™ Report December 5, 1985, https://github.com/StuBlad/habitatdocs/blob/main/itr/reportNovember.pdf
- ^ MicroCosm™ Report December 5, 1985, https://github.com/StuBlad/habitatdocs/blob/main/itr/reportNovember.pdf
- ^ Issue 17 - Computer Gamer - August 1986, https://renoproject.org/imagearchive/index.php?/category/335
- ^ Direct messages with Randy Farmer - June 1st, 2023
- ^ Issue 44 Commodore Microcomputers - November/December 1986, https://renoproject.org/imagearchive/picture.php?/8435/category/160
- ^ Computerworld - Sep 1, 1986, https://books.google.com/books?id=6dLTc6Wv3Y0C&pg=PA72&lpg=PA72&dq=north+american+videotex+industry+%22conference%22+%221986%22+%22New+York%22+-minitel&source=bl&ots=3YMaib_mgh&sig=ACfU3U3P31hutfru8_prDuEy45AwgU9BBg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjBooHdhaj2AhVtJkQIHfQvBjEQ6AF6BAg1EAM#v=onepage&q=north%20american%20videotex%20industry%20%22conference%22%20%221986%22%20%22New%20York%22%20-minitel&f=false
- ^ Palladium Demo - Lucasfilm Ltd. Games Division - September 14, 1986,https://github.com/StuBlad/habitatdocs/blob/main/itr/palladium.pdf
- ^ Subject: Habitat meetings at Quantum, 11/3 - November 5th, 1986, https://github.com/Museum-of-Art-and-Digital-Entertainment/habitat/blob/master/chip/habitat/docs/cya/qmeeting.t
- ^ The Socialization of Cyberspace: From Habitat to the Full Service Network - Hosted by Professor Terry Winograd and Randy Farmer, Electric Communities at Stanford University, January 12th, 1996, https://youtu.be/zVwkFgmsLHc?t=491
- ^ The Rant Newspaper - Volume 1, Issue 1 - August 17th, 1987, https://renoproject.org/imagearchive/picture.php?/12962/category/380
- ^ Conversation with Randy Farmer on The MADE's Discord - September 4, 2024
- ^ Bill Herrin's Habitat Beta Blast Party footage, https://youtu.be/YlFhkFX_wu0
- ^ Direct messages with Randy Farmer - March 25th, 2024
- ^ Habitat Technology Transfer Seminar document, https://renoproject.org/pub/Habitat/Documents/Habitat_Tech_Transfer_FULL.pdf
- ^ History of Fujitsu Habitat - Oh!FM Towns - November 1991, https://renoproject.org/imagearchive/picture.php?/6581/category/238
- ^ You can't tell people anything - Habitat Chronicles, http://habitatchronicles.com/2004/04/you-cant-tell-people-anything/
- ^ WorldsAway Backgrounder - Creating Virtual Communities in Cyberspace, https://web.archive.org/web/19961120223211/http://www.worldsaway.com/Worldsaway/press2/waback.html
- ^ Asia Telecom '89 Photos from the archives of Randy Farmer, https://renoproject.org/imagearchive/index.php?/category/313
- ^ Fujitsu Habitat history - https://web.archive.org/web/20160812162115/http://www.j-chat.net/habitat/history.html
- ^ Fujitsu Habitat history - https://web.archive.org/web/20160812162115/http://www.j-chat.net/habitat/history.html
- ^ Fujitsu Habitat history - https://web.archive.org/web/20160812162115/http://www.j-chat.net/habitat/history.html
- ^ Fujitsu Scientific and Technical Journal Vol. 26, No. 3 - October 30th, 1990 - Hypermedia Personal Computer Communication System: Fujitsu Habitat, https://renoproject.org/pub/FujitsuHabitat/Text/Hypermedia%20Personal%20Computer%20Communication%20System%20-%20Fujitsu%20Habitat.pdf
- ^ Fujitsu Scientific and Technical Journal Vol. 26, No. 3 - October 30th, 1990 - Hypermedia Personal Computer Communication System: Fujitsu Habitat, https://renoproject.org/pub/FujitsuHabitat/Text/Hypermedia%20Personal%20Computer%20Communication%20System%20-%20Fujitsu%20Habitat.pdf
- ^ Overview of "Habitat II" - Fujitsu September 1997 Press Release, https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1997/Sep/habitat/habitat2_gaiyou.html
- ^ "Habitat II" service concept - Fujitsu September 1997 Press Release, https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1997/Sep/habitat/habitat2_concept.html
- ^ FUJITSU MULTIMEDIA CORPORATE BACKGROUNDER, https://web.archive.org/web/19961120223227/http://www.worldsaway.com/Worldsaway/press2/fujicorp.html
- ^ Fujitsu Habitat history - https://web.archive.org/web/20160812162115/http://www.j-chat.net/habitat/history.html
- ^ FUJITSU POACHES UNISOFT TOP BRASS TO STAFF NEW OPEN SYSTEMS OUTFIT - September 8th, 1991, https://techmonitor.ai/technology/fujitsu_poaches_unisoft_top_brass_to_staff_new_open_systems_outfit
- ^ Fujitsu Habitat history - https://web.archive.org/web/20160812162115/http://www.j-chat.net/habitat/history.html
- ^ Direct messages with Randy Farmer - May 9th, 2022
- ^ Fujitsu Habitat source code build log - September 28th, 1993
- ^ FUJITSU GETS WIRED (int'l edition) - BusinessWeek, https://web.archive.org/web/19970628192110/http://www.businessweek.com/1996/12/b3467152.htm
- ^ E-mail conversion with John Onusko, one of the people who wrote the WorldsAway server code.
- ^ FUJITSU POACHES UNISOFT TOP BRASS TO STAFF NEW OPEN SYSTEMS OUTFIT, https://techmonitor.ai/techonology/fujitsu_poaches_unisoft_top_brass_to_staff_new_open_systems_outfit
- ^ BLD Stlker’s Club Caribe Documentary - February 1994, https://youtu.be/OESzgOau1k4
- ^ FUJITSU DEMOS VIRTUAL WORLDS FOR THE WEB AT SPRING INTERNET WORLD `96 - Press Release, https://web.archive.org/web/19961120223153/http://www.worldsaway.com/Worldsaway/press2/webw.html
- ^ INTRODUCING WEBWORLD -- ANIMATED VIRTUAL WORLD FOR THE WEB - Press Release, https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1996/Feb/28-e.html
- ^ Fujitsu Habitat history - https://web.archive.org/web/20160812162115/http://www.j-chat.net/habitat/history.html
- ^ E-mail with Ron Lichty - August 17th, 2023
- ^ Electric Communities GOAT - July 31st 1995, https://github.com/Museum-of-Art-and-Digital-Entertainment/Electric-Communities-Submissions/blob/main/EC/Original-E/ec2-giblets/Docs/GOATs/95-07-31
- ^ Ron Lichty's performance review by Tony Christopher in May 1996
- ^ Dreamscape Rollout Schedule - Email from Jeffery Douglas to Tony Christopher on 30 July 1997, https://renoproject.org/interviews/jefferydouglas.html
- ^ Ron Lichty's performance review by Tony Christopher in May 1996
- ^ Dreamscape Rollout Schedule - Email from Jeffery Douglas to Tony Christopher on 30 July 1997, https://renoproject.org/interviews/jefferydouglas.html
- ^ Ron Lichty's performance review by Tony Christopher in May 1996
- ^ Dreamscape Rollout Schedule - Email from Jeffery Douglas to Tony Christopher on 30 July 1997, https://renoproject.org/interviews/jefferydouglas.html
- ^ Dreamscape Rollout Schedule - Email from Jeffery Douglas to Tony Christopher on 30 July 1997, https://renoproject.org/interviews/jefferydouglas.html
- ^ Animated Virtual World Debuts on CompuServe - Press Release, https://web.archive.org/web/19961120223202/http://www.worldsaway.com/Worldsaway/press2/waann.html
- ^ Dreamscape Rollout Schedule - Email from Jeffery Douglas to Tony Christopher on 30 July 1997, https://renoproject.org/interviews/jefferydouglas.html
- ^ INTRODUCING WEBWORLD -- ANIMATED VIRTUAL WORLD FOR THE WEB - Press Release, https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1996/Feb/28-e.html
- ^ Dreamscape Rollout Schedule - Email from Jeffery Douglas to Tony Christopher on 30 July 1997, https://renoproject.org/interviews/jefferydouglas.html
- ^ Overview of "Habitat II" - Fujitsu September 1997 Press Release, https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1997/Sep/habitat/habitat2_gaiyou.html
- ^ Dreamscape Rollout Schedule - Email from Jeffery Douglas to Tony Christopher on 30 July 1997, https://renoproject.org/interviews/jefferydouglas.html
- ^ Dreamscape Rollout Schedule - Email from Jeffery Douglas to Tony Christopher on 30 July 1997, https://renoproject.org/interviews/jefferydouglas.html
- ^ FUJITSU DEMOS VIRTUAL WORLDS FOR THE WEB AT SPRING INTERNET WORLD `96 - Press Release, https://web.archive.org/web/19961120223153/http://www.worldsaway.com/Worldsaway/press2/webw.html
- ^ Overview of "Habitat II" - Fujitsu September 1997 Press Release, https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1997/Sep/habitat/habitat2_gaiyou.html
- ^ The Dreamscape Team Newsletter - Vol. 1, Issue 1-- July 1996 - https://wiki.renoproject.org/index.php/WorldsAway_Newsletters#The_Dreamscape_Team_Newsletter_-_Vol._1%2C_Issue_1--_July_1996
- ^ Dreamscape Rollout Schedule - Email from Jeffery Douglas to Tony Christopher on 30 July 1997, https://renoproject.org/interviews/jefferydouglas.html
- ^ Dreamscape Rollout Schedule - Email from Jeffery Douglas to Tony Christopher on 30 July 1997, https://renoproject.org/interviews/jefferydouglas.html
- ^ Pride! Universe on CompuServe offers virtual world for the gay and lesbian community- Pride Media & Fujitsu October 1996 joint Press Release, https://web.archive.org/web/19971108123544fw_/http://www.pridemedia.com/release-universe.html
- ^ Virtual reality world opens its doors to gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders on CompuServe, https://web.archive.org/web/19971108123537fw_/http://www.pridemedia.com/release-compuserve.html
- ^ Global expansion/system expansion of "Habitat II" - Fujitsu September 1997 Press Release, https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1997/Sep/habitat/cybercom.html
- ^ The Dreamscape Team Newsletter - Vol. 1, Issue 4-- November, 1996, https://wiki.renoproject.org/index.php/WorldsAway_Newsletters#The_Dreamscape_Team_Newsletter_-_Vol._1,_Issue_4--_November,_1996
- ^ Overview of "Habitat II" - Fujitsu September 1997 Press Release, https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1997/Sep/habitat/habitat2_gaiyou.html
- ^ Virtual community "Habitat II" Internet service started, Fujitsu November 1996 Press Release, https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1996/Nov/15-2.html
- ^ Fujitsu Habitat history - https://web.archive.org/web/20160812162115/http://www.j-chat.net/habitat/history.html
- ^ Overview of "Habitat II" - Fujitsu September 1997 Press Release, https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1997/Sep/habitat/habitat2_gaiyou.html
- ^ Dreamscape Rollout Schedule - Email from Jeffery Douglas to Tony Christopher on 30 July 1997, https://renoproject.org/interviews/jefferydouglas.html
- ^ Korean version of Habitat II "Yuridosi (Glass City)" has started - Fujitsu April 1997 Press Release, https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1997/Apr/30.html
- ^ Global expansion/system expansion of "Habitat II" - Fujitsu September 1997 Press Release, https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1997/Sep/habitat/cybercom.html
- ^ Dreamscape Rollout Schedule - Email from Jeffery Douglas to Tony Christopher on 30 July 1997, https://renoproject.org/interviews/jefferydouglas.html
- ^ WorldsAway News October 6, 1997, https://web.archive.org/web/19971022004132/http://www.worldsaway.com/kymer/letter9.shtml
- ^ Dreamscape Rollout Schedule - Email from Jeffery Douglas to Tony Christopher on 30 July 1997, https://renoproject.org/interviews/jefferydouglas.html
- ^ Dreamscape Transition to 2.0: A letter from the WorldsAway Team - July 6, 1997, https://web.archive.org/web/19971022013303/http://www.worldsaway.com/kymer/letter6.html
- ^ Added communication function in 3D space to "Habitat II" - Fujitsu September 1997 Press Release, https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1997/Sep/5.html
- ^ WorldsAway News October 6, 1997, https://web.archive.org/web/19971022004132/http://www.worldsaway.com/kymer/letter9.shtml
- ^ WorldsAway News October 6, 1997, https://web.archive.org/web/19971022004132/http://www.worldsaway.com/kymer/letter9.shtml
- ^ Spectrum: Interactive Media & Online Developer News 27 October 1997, https://web.archive.org/web/19990922003210/http://www.3dlinks.com/spectrum/issues/spectrum-oct-27-97.cfm
- ^ Fujitsu Habitat history - https://web.archive.org/web/20160812162115/http://www.j-chat.net/habitat/history.html
- ^ Delphi Forums "Save Our Worlds" forum post by Teague, VZones Member Support "If Robert kills DS/VZC in favour of SeduCity, would you go to SC?" - October 2001, http://forums.delphiforums.com/saveourworlds/messages/?msg=104.25&gid=2092731848
- ^ WorldsAway About Us Page - October 1999, https://web.archive.org/web/19991022021840/http://www.worldsaway.com/aboutus/
- ^ Delphi Forums "Save Our Worlds" forum post by Teague, VZones Member Support "If Robert kills DS/VZC in favour of SeduCity, would you go to SC?" - October 2001, http://forums.delphiforums.com/saveourworlds/messages/?msg=104.25&gid=2092731848
- ^ Meeting with Tim Lavalli - July 12th, 1998, https://wiki.renoproject.org/index.php/Meeting_with_Tim_Lavalli_-_July_12th,_1998
- ^ Delphi Forums "Save Our Worlds" forum post by Teague, VZones Member Support "If Robert kills DS/VZC in favour of SeduCity, would you go to SC?" - October 2001, http://forums.delphiforums.com/saveourworlds/messages/?msg=104.25&gid=2092731848
- ^ Delphi Forums "Save Our Worlds" forum post by Teague, VZones Member Support "If Robert kills DS/VZC in favour of SeduCity, would you go to SC?" - October 2001, http://forums.delphiforums.com/saveourworlds/messages/?msg=104.25&gid=2092731848
- ^ Delphi Forums "Save Our Worlds" forum post by Teague, VZones Member Support "If Robert kills DS/VZC in favour of SeduCity, would you go to SC?" - October 2001, http://forums.delphiforums.com/saveourworlds/messages/?msg=104.25&gid=2092731848
- ^ Rousi's Habitat Page, https://web.archive.org/web/20230822045939/http://rousi.com/habi/index.html
- ^ Fujitsu Habitat history - https://web.archive.org/web/20160812162115/http://www.j-chat.net/habitat/history.html
- ^ Club Connect Press Release - July 20, 1998, https://web.archive.org/web/19991022040726/http://www.worldsaway.com:80/aboutus/consumer.html
- ^ https://web.archive.org/web/19961120221938/http://www.worldsaway.com/away2.html
- ^ FUJITSU GETS WIRED (int'l edition) - BusinessWeek, https://web.archive.org/web/19970628192110/http://www.businessweek.com/1996/12/b3467152.htm
- ^ New Radio World/WorldsAway Press Release - May 7th 1999, https://web.archive.org/web/19991021235058/http://www.newradioworld.com:80/members/announcement.html
- ^ Fujitsu/Inworlds.com Press Release - May 7th 1999, https://web.archive.org/web/20000125231351/worldsaway.net/letter.html
- ^ New Radio World/WorldsAway Press Release - May 7th 1999, https://web.archive.org/web/19991021235058/http://www.newradioworld.com:80/members/announcement.html
- ^ Fujitsu/Inworlds.com Press Release - May 7th 1999, https://web.archive.org/web/20000125231351/worldsaway.net/letter.html
- ^ Delphi chat with Delilah/Eva Gailey - July 13th, 2000, https://web.archive.org/web/20030526194710/http://www.vplanet.org/archives/articles/rw/mgrw00713-35.htm
- ^ United States Patent and Trademark Office - Serial Number 75728185, https://tmsearch.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=4802:yri2e4.3.1
- ^ Avaterra.com Completes Acquisition of Virtual Communities From Fujitsu - Press Release - June 28th 1999, https://indexarticles.com/business/business-wire/avaterra-com-completes-acquisition-of-virtual-communities-from-fujitsu/
- ^ Bloomberg Business Wire recap listing the press release, https://www.bloomberg.com/press-releases/1999-06-28/editors-kv840ypx
- ^ Avaterra.com Completes Acquisition of Virtual Communities From Fujitsu - Press Release - June 28th 1999, https://indexarticles.com/business/business-wire/avaterra-com-completes-acquisition-of-virtual-communities-from-fujitsu/
- ^ Avaterra.com Launches With AdObject Technology - Press Release - June 18th 1999, https://www.clickz.com/avaterra-com-launches-with-adobject-technology/
- ^ Delphi Forums "Save Our Worlds" forum post by Teague, VZones Member Support "If Robert kills DS/VZC in favour of SeduCity, would you go to SC?" - October 2001, http://forums.delphiforums.com/saveourworlds/messages/?msg=104.25&gid=2092731848
- ^ Rousi's Habitat Page, https://web.archive.org/web/20230822045939/http://rousi.com/habi/index.html
- ^ "J-Chat ~ Beach on The Net ~" membership community service started - Fujitsu August 1999 Press Release, https://pr.fujitsu.com/jp/news/1999/Aug/30.html
- ^ G-Search History Page, https://www.g-search.jp/en/history/
- ^ VZSciFi Composition - 17 Licensed Zones: Star Trek - Meetings Reports - November 1999, https://renoproject.org/pub/VZones/VZSciFi/VZSciFi%20Design%20Site/17strekmeet.htm
- ^ VZones v3.0 is here! - Avaterra Newsletter - March 2000
- ^ Reactions to VZones 3.0 - Virtual Planet News Article - March 24th, 2000, https://web.archive.org/web/20030526193450/http://www.vplanet.org/archives/articles/opinion/vco00324.htm
- ^ VZSciFi GO Event - VZnews Archives - April 21st, 2000, https://web.archive.org/web/20001003045739/http://vzmembers.com/events/specialevents/scifigo.htm
- ^ VZSciFi Semi Fictional Timeline, https://wiki.renoproject.org/index.php/VZSciFi_Semi-Fictional_Timeline
- ^ Interview with John Freeman - VZSciFi Project Manager, https://renoproject.org/john-freeman-interview/
- ^ More News From SWAT Team - Shawnee Chance 2 - July 24, 2000, https://web.archive.org/web/20030526194710/http://www.vplanet.org/archives/articles/rw/scrw0724a.htm
- ^ Queery Universe Closing - Virtual Planet Archives, https://web.archive.org/web/20030420043234/http://www.vplanet.org/
- ^ Save Our Worlds Chat - Virtual Planet Archives, https://web.archive.org/web/20040704205027/http://www.vplanet.org/archives/articles/news_2001/scn10331a.htm
- ^ Rousi's Habitat Page, https://web.archive.org/web/20230822045939/http://rousi.com/habi/index.html
- ^ Fujitsu Habitat history - https://web.archive.org/web/20160812162115/http://www.j-chat.net/habitat/history.html
- ^ Rousi's Habitat Page, https://web.archive.org/web/20230822045939/http://rousi.com/habi/index.html
- ^ Fujitsu Habitat history - https://web.archive.org/web/20160812162115/http://www.j-chat.net/habitat/history.html
- ^ Announcement on the Future of our Virtual Worlds - Virtual Planet Archives, https://web.archive.org/web/20040704204800/http://www.vplanet.org/archives/articles/news_2001/rin10328a.htm
- ^ Second Kingdom Information — Virtual Planet News Article - April 12th, 2002, https://web.archive.org/web/20040912233543/http://www.vplanet.org/archives/articles/news_2002/scn20412a.htm
- ^ Fujitsu Habitat history - https://web.archive.org/web/20160812162115/http://www.j-chat.net/habitat/history.html
- ^ SanrioWorld website - April 18th, 2003 - https://web.archive.org/web/20030418011608fw_/http://www.sanriowave.com/world/new2.html
- ^ SanrioWorld website - April 8th, 2003, https://web.archive.org/web/20030408003957/http://www.sanriowave.com/world/
- ^ G-Search History Page, https://www.g-search.jp/en/history/
- ^ Stratagem Corporation September 2004 Press Release, https://web.archive.org/web/20041012030810/http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2004/9/emw160140.htm
- ^ Terra Nova Blog - October 2004, https://terranova.blogs.com/terra_nova/2004/10/virtual_world_r.html
- ^ Stratagem Corporation September 2004 Press Release, https://web.archive.org/web/20041012030810/http://www.emediawire.com/releases/2004/9/emw160140.htm
- ^ Rousi's Habitat Page, https://web.archive.org/web/20230822045939/http://rousi.com/habi/index.html
- ^ J-Chat Home Page - December 2010, https://web.archive.org/web/20101230070135/http://j-chat.net/