Who ever thought just browsing the internet could become a video game? WebWars has made this possible, using layered reality gaming and helpful insight from its leader, Cindy Armstrong (CEO) and Mike Heisley (Chairman of the Board). Not only is this establishing a new, fresh way to game; it is also creating a whole new way to experience the web.
Breaking the barrier between online games and browsing the internet, WebWars goes against the grain of making the same game multiple times and says "Let's do something new!". Integrating your web browser itself into a game, players can be cast in-game by just visiting their favorite sites.
“By making the Web browser itself into a fundamental component of the game, we are able to deliver rewarding gameplay while still offering gamers flexibility in how and when they play. Layered reality gaming is the ideal form of entertainment for many players because it removes the barriers between the game they enjoy playing and the Web sites they enjoy visiting. This allows them to experience the Web in a brand new way.”
What makes WebWars ideal is that you don't have to spend ages downloading a game or waiting on patches to load. It is easily installed as a toolbar on any major web browser. The premise for the game is collecting items called 'weblings'. Once on a site where there is a webling, you will be alerted with a small window letting you know there is one and asking if you would like to try to battle for it. As you gather more weblings and defeat enemies, you will gain in level and be able to customize your character more thoroughly. Some monsters are obviously higher level, depending on the site, etc. A list of a few character styles are below.
Weblings will work off of Player vs. Environment mode, and the next game has been confirmed to include Player vs. Player capabilities. Using existing open source technology within a re-usable modular game system, WebWars is simplifying online game development. Not only that, but through this system, the ability to pick and choose from a variety of features radically reduces time-to-market costs. These modules are also backwards compatible, which makes for easy upgrades with existing games and future developments.
Overall, this kind of gaming could be a huge hit, and I look forward to trying it out. What I also like is that the company is based in Austin, Texas (around where I live). The first game's beta comes out in July, so be sure to sign up for the beta!
