There's a really interesting article on GameGuru today about DanceMELA, a new game / virtual world in India which combines console rhythm dancing games (think Dance Dance Revolution) with a virtual world community for players to meet each other in.
It’s the work of Mumbai-based firm Kreeda Games, and DanceMELA is actually based on Dance Dance Revolution, since Kreeda has the localisation rights for the franchise. But what’s interesting is the virtual world that’s been built around it:
“Once you are registered, you can log in and just walk into the virtual lounges or even make your own dance room. The dance rooms are a place where you can interact with your buddies or make new ones! Dance Mela is not just a game, it is becoming something like a Second Life for Indians...”
Avatar customisation is also a big part of the game, with bags of clothing to choose from, and even an in-game stylist. It’s another example of the crossover between online games and virtual worlds - and specifically, this idea of casual games (i.e. you don’t need a decade of gaming experience) melding with chat and avatar customisation. Are these games a threat to the purely social virtual worlds? That’s a question to be explored over the coming months.
DanceMELA website (via GameGuru)
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