GDC 07: Three Rings announces new Whirled

Bang! Howdy maker moves in on Second Life territory with new virtual world.

SAN FRANCISCO--Independent developer Three Rings has announced a new online world, called Whirled (get it?). Its latest project will focus on "games and player-created content," and players can chat, create avatars, decorate rooms, and play online games.

Much like the existing online world of Second Life, Whirled's allows creators to sell their custom avatars and in-game objects like furniture and pets. Other users will then be able to buy items using in-game money from a catalog, which can be translated into real-world cash. Players are also encouraged to create their own Flash games and put them up for sale. Playing the game itself will be free.

Three Rings CEO Daniel James commented, "Using Flash opens up Whirled creation to the vast number of skilled Flash artists and developers. We're excited to see what in the Whirled people make!"

The company will also be placing their own multiplayer games in the virtual world, including Chiyogami Dance Battle, a "dance-off game," and Underwhirled Drift, a go-kart racing game. Whirled has started the alpha testing phase and will be launched to the public later this year.

18 Comments

  • Z_XIII

    Posted Jun 12, 2009 9:39 am PT

    Whirled is awesome xD

  • tiswasgirl

    Posted Mar 29, 2008 8:27 pm PT

    Having been a Puzzle Pirate for over 2yrs, I was curious about this new project. Not because of the genre, but because of how good OOO look after their customers, regardless of whether they are subs or not. Seriously, how many games are out there where the staff, even the boardroom suits, are regularly online? In my experience, if I have ever had a complaint or needed help, I've had a response within 24hrs, and it was from an actual person, not a standard ˜send to all" reply.

    I've been playing the Beta, and some of the games are really good, I personally am addicted to Tree House Defence.

    The only similarity with Second Life is that you make what you want, games, forums, furniture, deco, pretty much everything. Some of the differences between Second Life & Whirled, is that when I log into Whirled, I don't get approached by some dodgy avi saying "Would U leik 2 haev sex?"' it doesn't take several minutes for the screen to load when I go somewhere new and there are loads of games that need some intelligence to play.

    All I can say to those unsure about Whirled is, go and have a look, you've got nothing to lose.

  • Realedazed

    Posted Dec 23, 2007 5:50 am PT

    Why, it is bad timing? Is it because of Home? Also, I read somewhere that Second Life is losing popularity? I may have heard wrong, though.

    Yea, I know I'm an airhead, but I'm never in the loop with it comes to the game industry.

  • cjcr_alexandru

    Posted Mar 10, 2007 1:41 pm PT

    What will be the difference between Whirled and Second Life?

  • bugmenot12345

    Posted Mar 9, 2007 6:02 am PT

    Just something I would like to pointt out to the Sony PS3 'Home' bandwagoner Home a) is not yet playable
    b) has a $600 entrance fee

    -YPP Konck1

  • RaiKageRyu

    Posted Mar 8, 2007 11:49 pm PT

    kool

  • Pete5506

    Posted Mar 8, 2007 5:29 pm PT

    no

  • ChumpmonkeyV

    Posted Mar 8, 2007 5:17 pm PT

    This rocks. Think of Three Rings as the Apple of MMO's. They make awesome niche games and keep them current with fresh stuff.

    I love YPP. I love B!H and now I know I'll love Whirled.

    Big deal on 'Home'. If you are reading this you can already play Whirled. Can you do that with your PS3 yet? (and yes I'm also a huge console fanatic too).

  • theKSMM

    Posted Mar 8, 2007 3:25 pm PT

    I wonder if I could make enough money in the virtual Whirled to quit my job...

  • leapfrog91

    Posted Mar 8, 2007 3:04 pm PT

    Ugh, there's a reason the majority of indie games aren't flash/actionscript...I mean it's fun for a while...

  • 6icks_tea_4hoar

    Posted Mar 8, 2007 2:28 pm PT

    quite possibly the worst timing in history.

  • nitzmoff

    Posted Mar 8, 2007 1:46 pm PT

    It would be like Sony's 'Home' save the fact that Whirled is playable now and doesn't require one to pony up $600 to experience it.

  • peeweeshift

    Posted Mar 8, 2007 1:34 pm PT

    videos and screens plz...

  • makemeweak

    Posted Mar 8, 2007 1:22 pm PT

    Sounds like Sony's online stuff. Except with user created games - cool.

  • Nitro720

    Posted Mar 8, 2007 1:19 pm PT

    Very interesting...........................

  • rifton

    Posted Mar 8, 2007 10:56 am PT

    Wow, bad timing.

  • 345669

    Posted Mar 8, 2007 10:20 am PT

    Nooooooo!

  • Re_ensurer

    Posted Mar 8, 2007 10:19 am PT

    I'm more interested in "Home" for now.

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