The open metaverse currency (OMC) - A micropayment framework for open 3D virtual worlds

Abstract

Virtual worlds have become very popular recently, in particular 3D virtual worlds with a built-in virtual currency that enables providers and users to monetize their creations. Virtual Worlds based on the relatively new open-source and free-to-install "OpenSimulator" software currently lack such a virtual currency framework, in particular one that can be used across the boundaries of such virtual worlds (also known as grids). In this paper we present the design of such a micropayment system for this class of virtual worlds. The functionality expected by the users of such a 3D environment is somewhat different from what is usually expected from Web payment systems. A particular challenge is the fact that parts of the software that our system is to be integrated with cannot be trusted, as they are run by unknown parties, and can easily be modified (as it is open-source software). Transaction values in such a virtual environment are usually very small, so the cost of a transaction is also of concern. The system has already been implemented and is used by a number of such virtual worlds. © 2010 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.