“Learn together, shop together, build personal relationships without the language or culture barriers.”

Montreal based Golem Labs released the beta version of their new game, 3DChat, on July 7th. Before the game’s beta was released, I was given the opportunity to view the game during a sneak-peek interview with 3DChat’s key team members. At first glance, it wasn’t a whole lot different than my experiences with Second Life; which, to be honest, isn’t saying much.

The lead developer gave us a rundown on what to expect from 3DChat. They’re mainly marketing their game to the 18+ age group with the option of verification of gender and age (if you’re into the dating aspect). They’re hoping that by marketing to the 18+ age group they’ll be able to market to players independent of parental guidance; younger players will require parental supervision or parental permission to access parts of the game that require extra money. The younger players won’t be disallowed but they will not be able access the more “adult” or premium content, like custom penthouses and dating other players in the game.

3DChat’s main focus is on building community that doesn’t have lingual or cultural barriers and although intimacy and other kinds of adult content is including, it’s not center stage. Therefore, all adult content is opt-in only. Players have the ability to direct their avatars to tell off other players for unwanted advances by physically reacting (slapping another avatar).

The avatar customization allows players to mould and shape their avatar’s face and body structure by using the built-in tools or by uploading your face. Players will be able to further customize their avatars by going to the 3DMall to buy clothes, tattoos, and hair styles. Avatar customization is “built into the game-play instead of everything appearing by magic”.

In the beta, players will have the ability to explore “Old Town”, which has a distinct likeness to Quebec City. Players can go to the movies (which will stream real movies); go to a bar, pub, or club where you can enjoy 35 different dance styles; attend university (3DU); attend art galleries, where you’re able to display your art; and build discussion groups or meetings in 3DMeetings conference rooms.

The membership is tiered and if you’re verified, you’re able to access all content that isn’t adult. Premium membership hasn’t been entirely laid out but you’ll be able to get things like your own penthouse, access to meetings, and possibly uploading your own art/music. Gold memberships ensure intimacy and the dating membership grants access to the full blown dating system.

Verification is .99 and players will receive a premium membership for the first 30 days of play as incentive.

3DChat is larger than just a game; it’s also a social network, chat client, and sophisticated verification process. It’s also a community of products that’s been in development since early 2008.

Although the graphics are high-quality, the specs aren’t as intensive as one might think. 3DChat’s specs require the mainstream computer of last year so if you don’t have a souped-up PC, you aren’t going to miss out. As of right now, 3DChat is PC only although there is a possibility of a Mac version sometime in the future.

3DChat is now in beta and the developers are welcoming community feedback.