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{{Short description|Discontinued virtual world}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2021}} <!-- Do not remove this! -->
{{Infobox software
{{Infobox VG Online Service
| name = SAPARi
| logo = SAPARi Logo.jpg
|title = SAPARi
|logo = [[File:Sapari.SVG|200px]]
⚫
| developer = [[Sony]]{{efn|content=Developed by Sony Architecture Lab and Workstation Unit divisions, and then moved to the VAIO Development Unit.}}
|caption =
⚫
| released = {{Start date and age|1997|02|06}}
⚫
|developer = [[Sony]]{{efn|content=Developed by Sony Architecture Lab and Workstation Unit divisions, and then moved to the VAIO Development Unit.}}
| latest_release_version = 1.0.1
|type = [[Virtual world]]
| latest_release_date = {{Start date and age|2001|02|16}}
|update = {{Start date and age|2001|02|16}} (Last version)
⚫
| programming language = [[Java (programming language)|Java]]
|version = 1.0.1
⚫
| platform = [[Windows]]
⚫
|released = {{Start date and age|1997|02|06}}
⚫
|platform = [[Windows]]
|status = Closed{{efn|content=The original servers have been shut down since January 31, 2003. Active fan servers have existed since July 2020.}}
|members = ???
|website =
}}
}}


'''SAPARi'''（Japanese: さぱり）was an online [[3D computer graphics|3-D]] [[virtual world]] service developed in [[Java (programming language)|Java]] and ran by [[Sony]]. Users could speak to one another and join chat lobbies by using a dedicated server browser called the '''Community Place Browser'''. Upon selecting a server, users would appear in a 3-D virtual world as an [[Avatar_(computing)|avatar]] in the form of a human or an animal. The service's name is a shortening of the name '''Sampo Park Relaxation'''. The official SAPARi service was discontinued on January 31, 2003<ref>Service discontinuation announcement {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030224124253/http:/vrml.sony.co.jp:80/sapari/index.htm}}</ref>.
{{nihongo|'''''SAPARi'''''|さぱり}} was an online [[3D computer graphics|3-D]] [[virtual world]] service developed in [[Java (programming language)|Java]] and run by [[Sony]]. Users could speak to one another and join chat lobbies by using a dedicated server browser called the '''Community Place Browser'''. Upon selecting a server, users would appear in a 3-D virtual world as an [[Avatar (computing)|avatar]] in the form of a human or an animal. The service's name is a shortening of the name '''Sampo Park Relaxation'''. From 1997 to 2001, the service came [[pre-installed]] on Sony's [[Vaio|VAIO]] series of computers. The official SAPARi service was discontinued on January 31, 2003.<ref>Service discontinuation announcement {{Cite web |url=http://vrml.sony.co.jp/sapari/index.htm |title=さぱり |access-date=January 5, 2021 |archive-date=February 24, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030224124253/http://vrml.sony.co.jp/sapari/index.htm |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref>

From 1997 to 2001, the dedicated browser came [[pre-installed]] on Sony's [[Vaio|VAIO]] series of computers. Its user base mainly comprised of VAIO users when it was free to use on those systems. However, its number of users sharply decreased when usage fees were added to the service and when it no longer came pre-installed on VAIO systems, leading to the end of the service on January 31, 2003.

Since new users were easily captivated by its simple controls and familiar characters, SAPARi had a user base which included relatively many members who were new to the internet compared to other chat programs at the time. These users eventually formed a large community with the intent of resurrecting the service. Sales of the Community Place stopped in 2002. SAPARi Alpha began to use Sony's SpaceStream technology. The original SAPARi service similar to Circus Park at the time, but a new prototype was created to include different Worlds built by Tsunetake Noma.

Compared to Sony's other chat services, SAPARi was less developed (for example, VRML objects in worlds could not be interacted with).


== Gameplay ==
== Gameplay ==
Line 24: Line 23:


=== Browser ===
=== Browser ===
SAPARi used its own dedicated browser customized by Sony for use by clients that could run [[VRML]]. It was called the "'''Community Place Browser'''". It was organized into a main window used for displaying 3D graphics, and a second window containing the chat lot titled "Multi-User Window". It also handled another piece of software which came pre-installed on the [[VAIO]] series developed and sold by Sony called the "Internet 3D Pack". Even though the servers are no longer in operation, it s still possible to browse the internet in VRML (by operating a SAPARi character).
SAPARi used its own dedicated browser for use by clients that could run [[VRML]]. Called the Community Place Browser, it was organized into a main window used for displaying 3D graphics, and a second window containing the chat lot titled "Multi-User Window". It also handled another piece of software which came pre-installed on the [[VAIO]] series developed and sold by Sony called the "Internet 3D Pack". Even though the servers are no longer in operation, it is still possible to browse the internet in VRML by operating a SAPARi avatar.


=== Avatars ===
=== Avatars ===
SAPARi avatars consisted of over 100 human and animal models, and allowed for customizable colors and scaling. By default, players would begin as a pink cat. Certain Worlds would have restrictions on which Avatars could be used on them.
Human and animal avatars were created in 3D graphics following a particular motif. Although there were tens of them and some were common to each world, certain worlds would have restrictions on which Avatars could be used on them. Initially, a user always has their avatar set as a pink cat, although this can be changed in the Community Place Browser settings. Users could also customize the size and colour of each part of the avatars, such as the arms or head.


=== Conversation ===
=== Communication ===
* Multiple users can converse with each other if they are within a certain distance of each other's avatars and are logged in on the same world with other users.
Multiple users were able to converse with each other within a certain proximity. When a user spoke, their message would appear above their avatar for a short period of time and would be logged in the chat window. Users were able to perform actions with their avatars, such as waving or sleeping.
* When a user speaks, their words would appear above their heads for a short period of time and would be logged in the Multi-User Window.
* Users could make their avatars do actions such as sleeping or waving a hand.


== Development ==
== Development ==
Tsunetake Noma's PC during development was a DEC, and his monitor was a Mitsubishi Diamond model. For GCO, A VRML output was created using 3DCG software called "LightWave 3D" from NewTek Co.. Polygons were edited using "LightWave3D".
Tsunetake Noma's PC during development was a DEC, and his monitor was a Mitsubishi Diamond model. For GCO, A VRML output was created using 3DCG software called "LightWave 3D" from NewTek Co.. Polygons were edited using "LightWave3D".


The development process is described below.
The development process is described below:
# 3D modelling (DXF format)
#3D modelling (DXF format)
# DXF was converted to VRML (only for models)
#DXF was converted to VRML (only for models)
# Authoring in VRML (adding movement)
#Authoring in VRML (adding movement)
# 　Movement was originally programmed in Java (Tcl/Tk at the very beginning)
#Movement was originally programmed in Java (TCL/TK at the very beginning)
# Movement testing on the Community Place Browser
#Movement testing on the Community Place Browser
# 　for a server-Client environment, testing was done on multiple PCs.
#For a server-Client environment, testing was done on multiple PCs.
# 3D contents are published
#3D contents are published
# The official site is updated and moderated by a user group
#The official site is updated and moderated by a user group
# User Communication and support is opened in the 3D contents
#User Communication and support is opened in the 3D contents
Modelling was done by placing an order to the designer. Noma was in charge of the entire process after the DXF file was received from the designer. Noma also overlooked the direction of the project.
Modelling was done by placing an order to the designer. Noma was in charge of the entire process after the DXF file was received from the designer. Noma also overlooked the direction of the project.


=== Timeline ===
=== Timeline ===
* February 6, 1997 - Beginning of the SAPARi Service
* February 6, 1997 - Beginning of the SAPARi Service
* November 1999 - "SAPARi Premium" β version release
* November 1999 - "SAPARi Millenium" β version release
* January 2000 - "SAPARi Millenium" official release
* January 2000 - "SAPARi Millenium" official release
* September 1, 2001 - A usage fee is added to the service (300¥ monthly)
* September 1, 2001 - A usage fee is added to the service (300¥ monthly)
* January 31, 2003 - End of the SAPARi service
* January 31, 2003 - End of the SAPARi service


Since SAPARi came pre-installed on VAIO systems, it reached hundreds of thousands of users at one point. However, server fees, military fees, and the lack of a business model relating to the increase in new users stopped the user base from expanding. After this, control of SAPARi was transferred to So-net, which added fees to previously free material. Users actively disliked this, which led to the collapse of the community, causing revenue to sharply decrease and eventually the entire service to shut down at the end of January 2003. However, in 2020, two private servers were made thanks to reverse-engineering and fan efforts.
Since SAPARi came pre-installed on VAIO systems, it reached hundreds of thousands of users at one point. However, server fees and the lack of a business model relating to the increase in new users stopped the user base from expanding. After this, control of SAPARi was transferred to So-net, which added fees to previously free material. Users actively disliked this, which led to the collapse of the community, causing revenue to sharply decrease and eventually the entire service to shut down at the end of January 2003. However, in 2020, two private servers were made thanks to reverse-engineering and fan efforts, with them being Kogs and [https://kokoscript.com/sapari.html Kitunes], respectively.


== See also ==
== See also ==
*[[Chat]]
*[[Online chat]]
*[[VRML]]
*[[VRML]]
*[[PlayStation Home]]
*[[PlayStation Home]]


== References ==
== References ==
⚫
{{notelist}}
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}

== Notes ==
⚫
{{notelist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
*[https://www.reddit.com/r/sapari/ Unoffical Sapari Subreddit]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/19990423155241/http://pc.sony.co.jp/sapari/ SAPARi's original site (archived)]
⚫
*[http://sapacafe.sub.jp/ SAPARi Cafe]
*[http://nomano.shiwaza.com/tnoma/blog/archives/008794.html The 17th anniversary of the beginning of "SAPARi", as well as the announcement of the sale of VAIO]
*[http://nomano.shiwaza.com/tnoma/blog/archives/008794.html The 17th anniversary of the beginning of "SAPARi", as well as the announcement of the sale of VAIO]
*[https://www.reddit.com/r/sapari/ Unofficial Sapari Subreddit]
⚫
*[http://sapacafe.sub.jp/ SAPARi Cafe (Unofficial community site)]
*[https://vscommunityplace.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/vrml.html SAPARi Background information]
*[https://vscommunityplace.blogspot.com.au/2017/05/vrml.html SAPARi Background information]
*[https://sapariofficial-jp.blogspot.com SAPARi official site]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/19990423155241/http://pc.sony.co.jp/sapari/ Sapari Archive Site]


{{Internet-stub}}
{{Sony}}

[[Category:Japanese games]]
[[Category:Sony services]]
⚫
[[Category:Java (programming language)]]
[[Category:Role-playing video games]]
[[Category:Virtual world communities]]

Latest revision as of 18:30, 16 July 2024

SAPARi
DeveloperSony[a]
TypeVirtual world
Launch dateFebruary 6, 1997; 27 years ago (1997-02-06)
Current version1.0.1
Last updatedFebruary 16, 2001; 23 years ago (2001-02-16) (Last version)
Platform(s)Windows
StatusClosed[b]
Members???

SAPARi (さぱり) was an online 3-D virtual world service developed in Java and run by Sony. Users could speak to one another and join chat lobbies by using a dedicated server browser called the Community Place Browser. Upon selecting a server, users would appear in a 3-D virtual world as an avatar in the form of a human or an animal. The service's name is a shortening of the name Sampo Park Relaxation. From 1997 to 2001, the service came pre-installed on Sony's VAIO series of computers. The official SAPARi service was discontinued on January 31, 2003.[1]

Gameplay

[edit]

Worlds

[edit]

Worlds were 3D virtual spaces written in Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) and ran on Sony's dedicated servers. At the time of the service's launch, only one World, named "Park", was available to users. Numerous other Worlds were added as the number of players increased.

Browser

[edit]

SAPARi used its own dedicated browser for use by clients that could run VRML. Called the Community Place Browser, it was organized into a main window used for displaying 3D graphics, and a second window containing the chat lot titled "Multi-User Window". It also handled another piece of software which came pre-installed on the VAIO series developed and sold by Sony called the "Internet 3D Pack". Even though the servers are no longer in operation, it is still possible to browse the internet in VRML by operating a SAPARi avatar.

Avatars

[edit]

SAPARi avatars consisted of over 100 human and animal models, and allowed for customizable colors and scaling. By default, players would begin as a pink cat. Certain Worlds would have restrictions on which Avatars could be used on them.

Communication

[edit]

Multiple users were able to converse with each other within a certain proximity. When a user spoke, their message would appear above their avatar for a short period of time and would be logged in the chat window. Users were able to perform actions with their avatars, such as waving or sleeping.

Development

[edit]

Tsunetake Noma's PC during development was a DEC, and his monitor was a Mitsubishi Diamond model. For GCO, A VRML output was created using 3DCG software called "LightWave 3D" from NewTek Co.. Polygons were edited using "LightWave3D".

The development process is described below:

  1. 3D modelling (DXF format)
  2. DXF was converted to VRML (only for models)
  3. Authoring in VRML (adding movement)
  4. Movement was originally programmed in Java (TCL/TK at the very beginning)
  5. Movement testing on the Community Place Browser
  6. For a server-Client environment, testing was done on multiple PCs.
  7. 3D contents are published
  8. The official site is updated and moderated by a user group
  9. User Communication and support is opened in the 3D contents

Modelling was done by placing an order to the designer. Noma was in charge of the entire process after the DXF file was received from the designer. Noma also overlooked the direction of the project.

Timeline

[edit]
  • February 6, 1997 - Beginning of the SAPARi Service
  • November 1999 - "SAPARi Millenium" β version release
  • January 2000 - "SAPARi Millenium" official release
  • September 1, 2001 - A usage fee is added to the service (300¥ monthly)
  • January 31, 2003 - End of the SAPARi service

Since SAPARi came pre-installed on VAIO systems, it reached hundreds of thousands of users at one point. However, server fees and the lack of a business model relating to the increase in new users stopped the user base from expanding. After this, control of SAPARi was transferred to So-net, which added fees to previously free material. Users actively disliked this, which led to the collapse of the community, causing revenue to sharply decrease and eventually the entire service to shut down at the end of January 2003. However, in 2020, two private servers were made thanks to reverse-engineering and fan efforts, with them being Kogs and Kitunes, respectively.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Developed by Sony Architecture Lab and Workstation Unit divisions, and then moved to the VAIO Development Unit.
  2. ^ The original servers have been shut down since January 31, 2003. Active fan servers have existed since July 2020.
  1. ^ Service discontinuation announcement "さぱり". Archived from the original on February 24, 2003. Retrieved January 5, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
[edit]
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