Frenzoo. Games with Style.

Frenzoo.com Launches Furniture Creation in the Cloud

Mesh import from 3D Max, Collada supported on new Unity powered tool

HONG KONG, June 24, 2010 - Today web 3d world Frenzoo.com launches a browser-based furniture creator. 

The easy-to-use inbuilt tool allows users to make and sell virtual items, without needing separate software or design experience.  The tool gives freedom to add and mix details, patterns and transparencies using templates which are uploaded by Pro creators.

"Frenzoo has always been a fun place to enjoy creating 3d fashion and avatar looks.  Now we're expanding to furniture and props." said Simon Newstead, CEO & Co-Founder of Frenzoo.  "From sofas to swimming pools this will mean more choice in the shop, more atmospheric scenes and for creators, a new category of item to sell."

Mesh import with native 3D Max and Collada interface
Pro 3D creators can now start uploading any type of mesh to be a furniture templates.  Templates support mesh as well as animations and avatar spots.  For example, an animated cat template complete with petting animation could be uploaded, for other users to derive from. Templates can be imported from native 3D Max plugins as well as via a Collada interface, supported on Maya, Blender, Sketchup and other packages. 

Texture upload option
VIP creators can also choose to upload their own textures for these furniture templates, as an alternative to using the inbuilt tool.  This is ideal for those experienced designers who prefer to use their own software such as Photoshop or GIMP.

Availability
The new furniture tool is now in live beta at frenzoo.com/beta/create.php 

About Frenzoo

In development since 2008, Frenzoo Ltd. (www.frenzoo.com), is the first 3d online world with user generated content on the web.  The destination allows users to create their avatar, meet people & 3d chat in animated virtual scenes, express their style and create content, all within their Internet browser.  Mod sims and 3d asset import from packages such as 3D Max and Blender are also supported.  The Frenzoo team is based in Hong Kong, and has been developed with seed investment from Ambient Sound Investments, established in 2003 as an equal partnership by four founding engineers at Skype Technologies.  Frenzoo has a partnership with leading virtual content producer Anshe Chung Studios (ACS).  Frenzoo leverages the power of the Unity 3d engine, used by leading entertainment companies such as Electronic Arts and Cartoon Networks.  The lightweight plugin installs in seconds without any reload of the browser, and enables Frenzoo to deliver rich 3D content rendered in hardware, enabling high quality graphics, avatars and animations.

Press Contact
Simon Newstead, Co-Founder & CEO
Email: simon@frenzoo.com
Skype: simon-hk

Frenzoo: simon_is_yeti

Site maintenance originally scheduled on 2010-06-22 2:00am us est time will be delayed to 2010-06-23 2:00am us est time. Thanks

Site will be down for maintenance at 2010-06-22 2:00pm US EST time. for upgrading disk space. It may take 4 - 6 hours.

Free Creator Pass Trial - limited time offer!

To celebrate the launch of the new male avatar on Frenzoo, we're launching a special program.

Now experienced creators can try out to create and sell items on Frenzoo free for a month.  

During the trial creators can upload textures and derive from templates, on their own account.

Creators also will have their own permanent shop and will keep all proceeds from sales, forever.

Earned Gold coins can be kept on Frenzoo, transferred or converted into real money or other virtual currencies on AnsheX / FMX.

Requirement
- You have created items items on other 3d worlds or have high quality textures that you have made.
- You agree to submit at least 2 items during the trial.
- There is no need for payment or credit card, shop submissions can be made using free silver coins.
- There is no peer review process, items are available for sale instantly

Notes
- Trial creators will NOT receive all benefits of the normal VIP, including gold coins allowance, however they will be able to upload and sell items.
- The free trial will last a period of 1 month from date of first submission to allow a for a creator to add to the Frenzoo catalogue.
- To be eligible a creator must show an example of their work, or have their work available for the Frenzoo team to check.

Duration
- This program will open for entry in June and July 2010 only.
- The program is eligible for the first 20 qualified creators only.

Get your free trial now!
- Email your username example item to creators@frenzoo.com

Cristiano Diaz and Leelu - this is for you!

First it was a comment by a friend of the site Cristiano Diaz: "I can't make my Frenzoo avatar look older than a 10 year old boy!"

Then it was a biting post by one of our own - intern Leelu blogging about Frenzoo's lack of testosterone:

 

BEFORE

"One of our biggest weaknesses when it comes to masculinity is our male 3D avatars. Guys like to plume their feathers, or, in humanity's case, beef it up a bit. The most popular items for guys are skins with rippling muscles. The only problem is that the skins do not match the rest of the body. Heads stick out like a sore, effeminate thumb."

Hearing it come up over and over prompted some heavy drinking soul searching amongst the design team.  

Well, a short month later it's time for us to hit back with an all new look for the men of Frenzoo.

That's right, beginning today all male avatars on the virtual world of Frenzoo will be upgraded to a more realistic look that represent more of what masculinity is all about... (Hugo Boss aftershave commercial?)  And feel free to buy lots of creator skins and accessories to beef things up further.

Here's an example:

 
 Face

 
 Default body

AFTER

To state the obvious, we think it looks more manly.  

Perhaps even enough to tempt Leelu to return to Hong Kong for a second internship? (we miss you!)

ps - thanks Cris, nothing like a comment like that to jolt you into action :)

And the best illustrators on Frenzoo are...

...AnimeMeg27 and xoxskittlesxox, according to the results of the May 2010 "Illustrator of the Month" contest - Draw Your Own Avatar on the Frenzoo.com 3d world

For the very first time we had joint 1st place winners, as the officiating judge karlt both thought they were outstanding in very different ways:

"This really captures the character and style of your own avatar. The strokes and shading are fantastic, and portray of the face is realistic and excellent. The glamorous pose and the detailed stockings add sexiness to the overall feeling. This is one of the sexiest killer I've even seen!"

"It looks very eye pleasing. The colors are sharp and fresh, and the excellent shading makes the character stand out. I like the detailed face and clothes, especially the stripes on the doublet which help create the cylindrical feeling of the arms. Nice posing. Besides, the cuteness makes her look like one of the famous Manga characters. The little cute version of the avatar also adds fun to the picture!"

Both win a bunch of virtual prizes as well as a Wacom tablet to help them move their digital art into overdrive!

In second place was an amazing sketch by creator Dalriada:

Finally in 3rd place a very soft and detailed illustration by Ninja Destiny:

There are a bunch of special mentions that can be seen in the contest thread.  My personal favorite amongst the special mentions is a simple but edgy piece with personality by Naomix Sexy:

Congratulations to everyone who joined this huge contest. Great to see the art scene in Frenzoo alive and well!