The main design principle for clubs is that, if they were build in the real world, they'd be cool. We aim to get away from the cheezy, B-movie sci fi/fantasy look of many video games.

All styles are possible, from a neighbourhood bar to the poshest club. The user starts on the street outside the club. Once inside, the club could have a dance floor with moving lights, a stage for scripted bands, a bar, a VIP room for the owner's close friends, booths for private conversation, an outside patio, a DJ booth, a crack den to get messed up in and a chill room to come down.

The virtual world can go beyond what's practical (or possible) in real life. There could be a glass dance floor over a pool of water or some big, moving sculpture. And the clubs don't even have to look like traditional clubs. A 1950s science lab, a famous Cathedral, a block party, Stonehenge, Bladerunner, a 1920s Jazz club, Woodstock, the Korova Milk Bar, an Opium Den -- it's all good.

Dance by pushing buttons, as in Parappa The Rappa or Space Channel 5 to get better clothes, different pills or just to pass the time while waiting for friends. By discovering combo moves and adding special effects you can create your own performances.

Chat by typing like IRC or AIM. Talk only to the people near you or shout to the whole bar. This way you see who you're talking to, and two people in a booth can have a private conversation. Call people on their cell phone for private messaging.

Computer controlled characters

People can leave messages for each other with the bartender. Disco Stu will teach you to dance. Piss off the crowd, and the bouncer will come to get you.

More elaborate characters and interaction are possible, from scripted bands that move the user's camera (making it more like film than theatre) to a group of film noir characters that get you involved in a plot.

If you have a computer and a cable modem, you can start your own club and be your own DJ with music from CDs or MP3s. You can also build your own club, clothing, model, dance moves, camera moves, visual effects and AI using Unreal mod making tools.

martin at martincmartin dot com

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