Java

Today I installed Java (which is free) and created my hello-world app (newbie tip: a "hello world" program is the simplest possible program, which simply displays a message chosen by the programmer and contained in the "hello world" program).

I like Java and I'm going to use it instead of Python to develop Vecset for Windows. Vecset will not run under Linux and will not run on the XO Laptop. Vecset will be closed source, not open source.

If Vecset is successful, I hope to sign up at least 1000 paying members/gamers, each of whom pays $15/year, and at least 200 paying members/developers, each of whom pays $30/year: gross income = $21,000/year or $1750/month.

Only gamers who are members can own real estate in Vecset World, and only game developers who are members can have customizable game rooms, located in the game building of their choice (game developers who are not members get the default game room in the default game building). Gamers who are members can store stuff, such as game-related info, in their virtual homes.

Anyone can roam the streets, buildings, and game rooms of Vecset World, logged on as a guest. Also, guests can kibitz games in progress. To play a game, you must register first, entering your name, email address, and screen name. You don't need to download anything to play games, as all games run in your web browser. To create games, you must download the Vecset IDE (game editor).

VECSET

The Treenimation project has a new name: Virtual Environment Construction Set, or VECSET. When the development of Vecset is completed, users will be able to play games created using Vecset in their browsers. Users of the XO Laptop will also be able to play games with other XO Laptop users using its wireless networking capabilities.

The next steps in the development of Vecset are as follows:

1. Finish debugging the newly added classes in the Code
   Editor
2. Upload Python source code to Vecset.net
3. Write an OLPC wiki for Vecset
4. Apply to OLPC for project hosting
5. Post a help-wanted notice on the OLPC Games mailing list
6. Continue implementing the Vecset shell

New Vecset Business Model:

Everyone can play/create games for free. Those who elect to become members (paying $15/year, or $30/year for game developers) can own places to live (and store game-related info) and customizable game rooms. Game developers who are non-members get a generic game lobby, located in the default game building (depending on its genre), and they can't customize it very much. So Vecset is a lot like Second Life.

Unlike Second Life, the outer environment (when the user is not in a game) is 2-dimensional, consisting of 2 rectangular windows side-by-side (split screen). One window is always an overhead view, and the other window is split into 2 windows: left-side/right-side, or front/rear. The user uses the cursor keys to go forward (up arrow), left, right, stop (down arrow), or make a 180-degree turn (down arrow while stopped). Pressing Enter carries out the default primary user action, and pressing Space carries out the default secondary user action. Pressing Tab highlights the next command in an onscreen menu. Clicking the mouse in the non-overhead view toggles between left/right and front/rear. Ctrl+Left Arrow and Ctrl+Right Arrow rotates the overhead view 90 degrees in the given direction.