Entropia Universe | |
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![]() Former logo | |
Developer(s) | MindArk |
Publisher(s) | MindArk |
Designer(s) | Multiple |
Engine | CryEngine 2 |
Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows |
Release | January 30, 2003 |
Genre(s) | Massively multiplayer online role-playing game, first-person shooter |
Mode(s) | Online multiplayer |
Entropia Universe is a massively multiplayer online (MMORPG) virtual universe designed by the Swedish software company MindArk, based in Gothenburg.
Entropia uses a micropayment business model, in which players may buy in-game currency (PED - Project Entropia Dollars) with real money that can be redeemed back into U.S. dollars at a fixed exchange rate of 10:1. This means that virtual items acquired within Entropia Universe have a real cash value, and a participant may, at any time, initiate a withdrawal of their accumulated PED back into U.S. dollars according to the fixed exchange rate, minus transaction fees. The Entropia Universe is a direct continuation of Project Entropia.
Entropia Universe entered the Guinness World Records Book in both 2004 and 2008 for the most expensive virtual world objects ever sold. In 2009, a virtual space station, a popular destination, sold for $330,000.[1] This was then eclipsed in November 2010 when Jon Jacobs sold a club named "Club Neverdie" for $635,000; this property was sold in chunks, with the largest sold for $335,000.[2][3] The game has been described as dedicated to capitalism rather than quality of gameplay, and connecting the in-game labor with real world profits, in which sense it can be seen as a spiritual precursor to the play to earn model.[4]
The game can be played for free, but spending money on the in-game currency allows significant additional options like purchasing items, skills, deeds/shares, and services from other players. Nearly all of the main in-game activities require expendable resources which must be purchased. Items can also be crafted for use or for sale to other players.[citation needed]
In 1995, development of Entropia Universe (formerly Project Entropia) was started by two different groups - one in Sweden headed by Jan Welter Timkrans and one in Switzerland, headed by Benny Iggland. Initially taking place on the fictional Planet Calypso, the 2001 version used the NetImmerse 4 game engine. On May 20, 2002, the Commercial Open Trial began,[5] and the game was available to the public. With Version Update 4.2 on 28 January 2003, the game was considered "Gold".
2002 | The Gate #1, October 2002 | The Gate #2, November 2002 | The Gate #3, December 2002 | |
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2003 | The Gate#4, February 2003 | The Gate #5, March 2003 | The Gate #6, April 2003 | The Gate #7, May 2003 |
2005 | The Calypso Independence 1, September 2005 | The Calypso Independence 2, November 2005 | The Calypso Independence 3, December 2005 |
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2006 | The Calypso Independence 4, January 2006 | The Calypso May 5, September 2006 | The Calypso August 6, September 2006 |