Planet Michael

September 21, 2010 7:44 AM

The new planet, currently under development and slated for launch next year, will be an immersive virtual space themed after iconic visuals drawn from Michael’s music, his life and the global issues that concerned him.
posted by Joe Beese (9 comments total)

Gauntlet of the Moon (Right hand)

+3 Dexterity
Many sequins
Grants Levitation
posted by theodolite at 7:51 AM on September 21, 2010

allow fans to immerse themselves in a Michael Jackson-like universe or music-video-like world and interact with each other and then go on adventures and do gameplay stuff and socialize,"

Bring on the Jesus Juice! Don't stop 'til you get enough.
posted by Mayor Curley at 7:52 AM on September 21, 2010

I predict most people will log on for the zombies.
posted by AugieAugustus at 8:10 AM on September 21, 2010

Many in the church are interested in taking part.
posted by parmanparman at 8:45 AM on September 21, 2010

Think World of Warcraft— with no violence and more dancing.

Congratulations, you just invented Second Life.
posted by emelenjr at 8:53 AM on September 21, 2010 [2 favorites]

a Michael Jackson-like universe

Sweet Jesus, this sounds disturbing.
posted by brundlefly at 9:34 AM on September 21, 2010

A free-to-download game, Planet Michael will let players (ages 13-up)....
There is possibly a joke here, but I'm busy.
posted by Brainy at 9:36 AM on September 21, 2010 [2 favorites]

This is framed as if Planet Michael were its own standalone virtual world, but the PDF in the second link explains that it's one planet in the Entropia Universe. From Wikipedia:

The backstory of Entropia Universe is that of a distant science-fiction future. The specific settings vary a little bit on each planet. On Planet Calypso participants assume the roles of colonists who must develop the untamed planet of Calypso and explore its two continents, Eudoria and Amethera. Populated with fierce and dangerous creatures, the perilous wilderness on Calypso is also rich in minerals and ore, both of which can potentially be a source of income for would-be colonists.

There are two space stations in orbit over Calypso - CND & CP (Club NEVERDIE & Crystal Palace). In order to travel to them, players either need to own a hangar which contains a working spaceship, or alternatively, players can pay other participants acting as pilots to fly them there. As of 2009 all pilot services are disabled, so temporary teleports to and from the space stations are being provided for a fee of 25 PED.

The outposts, cities, and auction posts on the planet serve as trading hubs where virtual items such as tools, weapons, and minerals are bought and sold by colonists. The wide range of professions available to colonists makes the accumulation of skills and resources a lively business. The cities also serve as social and cultural connection points for the colonist community. Some colonists on a rare occasion participate in the project only socially without engaging in business, such as beggars and priests of Lootius.

In other words, Planet Michael will be one corner of "the first virtual universe with a real cash economy" (which is already online with two functional planets and five others, including PM, on the way). Planet Calypso. Rocktropia. Looks like both of those are also music-oriented, to some degree.
posted by The Winsome Parker Lewis at 9:49 AM on September 21, 2010 [1 favorite]

priests of Lootius

They literally named the in-game deity after money? Wow.
posted by Joe Beese at 10:20 AM on September 21, 2010