Create Worlds, a developer of both 2D and 3D tools for web gaming, has today revealed the launch of Wonderland Cloud, a multiplayer framework created to address the challenges associated with delivering top-notch spatial audio for web-based virtual reality (VR).
Create Worlds claims that high-fidelity spatial audio demands considerable computational resources, which can be taxing for standalone VR headsets or mobile devices. To overcome this technical hurdle, the Wonderland Cloud team has engineered a multiplayer framework that manages audio mixing on the server side, thereby optimizing both processing power and bandwidth usage.
The organization emphasized that the creation of Wonderland Cloud is in line with Wonderland Engineâs foundational values of performance and development efficiency. Tailored for real-time environments, Wonderland Cloud’s standout features include development servers that facilitate rapid iteration and complimentary hosting for static project materials.
Overcoming Multiplayer Limitations in Web VR
âFor an extended period, achieving a user count between 16-32 has posed a significant technical challenge for web-based VR developers, limiting access to a select few specialized companies and platforms,â remarked Jonathan Hale, founder of Wonderland and CEO of Create Worlds. âThis is particularly true for 3D spatialized voice chat, which is crucial for authentic conversations in virtual gatherings and events. Now, anyone can create a real-time multiplayer web game, space, or world featuring spatial voice chat and minimal latency data transfer.â
To showcase the functionalities of Wonderland Cloud, the company recently orchestrated two online events with approximately 20 simultaneous participants each. Participants accessed the event via PC, mobile devices, and VR headsets, highlighting the platform’s interoperability. For these occasions, the Wonderland Cloud team set up a default meeting room, which continues to be open for public access for ongoing utilization.
Utilizing Spatial Audio Across Various Fields
Create Worlds stated that one of the inaugural applications of its Wonderland Cloud platform is within the gaming sector. The company pointed out that âWebXR Paintballâ employs its multiplayer framework, amassing over fifty thousand plays since its quiet launch on HeyVR.io.
Aside from gaming, Wonderland Cloud finds applicability across a variety of other industries, according to Create Worldsâ CRO Soeren Syrbe, who commented: âWe receive a multitude of requests for assorted applications. For example, one firm is working on creating a virtual environment for product exhibitions. Spatial audio significantly improves user engagement by enabling large groups to explore the exhibition space freely, where participants can hear one another depending on proximity and directionâjust like in real life.â
A Simplified Explanation of How Wonderland Cloud Operates
Wonderland Cloud processes spatial audio on its servers, lightening the load on usersâ devices and reducing bandwidth requirements. It leverages a mix of connection methods to facilitate seamless, low-latency communication in multiplayer VR. In case a standard connection method is not accessible, it features a backup system to maintain efficient operations.
The platform utilizes WebRTCâa technology crafted for swift, real-time communication in browsersâand Rust, a programming language designed for speed and memory safety in system-level applications.
Create Worlds indicated that incorporating Wonderland Cloud into an existing Wonderland Engine project or alternate framework is simple. Developers can establish a server using the Wonderland Cloud console, and then start with a variety of available examples.
For additional details regarding Create Worlds and its Wonderland Cloud platform, click here.
Image credit: Create Worlds
