Posted:
07:46:21 on June 14 2002
By: Steve Krutzler
Dept: General Star Trek
Virtual Conventions, LLC this week opened its doors to the public, allowing STAR TREK fans to peruse its state-of-the-art virtual 3D convention hall in anticipation of the company's premiere online event in August.
The pre-show lobby allows guests to stroll past the Incoming Hail wall for information on upcoming events and confirmed celebrities, enjoy the video wall with content from startrek.net, chat with an E-author from Pocket Books, interact with characters from Star Trek: The Experience and, of course, hang out with fellow fans from around the world - all for FREE. Vir-Con 2002's Vito Montone says one of the exciting things fans will get to see through the live video feeds will be special awarding of a lifetime acheivement award to Leonard Nimoy during the August event in Las Vegas.
Unlike persistent 3D worlds, The Official 3D Virtual Star Trek Convention ONLY takes place August 2-4, 2002 coinciding with Creation Entertainment's real-world Official Star Trek Convention in Las Vegas.
Taking part in the event will be surprisingly affordable, as Vir-Con 2002 has announced its pricing scheme for the event, offering three different levels of participation. Ranging from a video feed-only Pay-Per-View one-day package at $9.95 USD ($29.95 for three days) to a three-day participation package for $39.95 USD, tickets are now on sale from within the center kiosks in the virtual lobby. One day passes are available for $14.95 USD.
Once registered you will receive a generic androgynous avatar - your 3D body - to stroll around and get accustomed to your virtual existence. Paying guests will be able to choose from dozens of STAR TREK avatars from The Original Series, The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine and Enterprise: Starfleet, Vulcans, Romulans, Andorians, Klingons, Ferengi, Cardassians, Borgs, Bajorans and more.
For those fans looking for more, Vir-Con 2002 will offer the Preferred Pass at $39.95 USD per day ($99.95 USD for all three days) offering special benefits including a first preferred pass celebrity chat with ENTERPRISE star Dominic Keating. Also included in this larger package are private, medium close-up video/audio feeds of the live convention stage, the ability to submit questions to the celebrities on stage, and the ability for users to post personal auctions in a special room. Latinum Passes will go even further, providing yet-to-be-announced premiums above and beyond the Preferred Pass.
Additionally, virtual convention goers can upgrade their personal avatar to Starfleet Commander, Romulan Centurion or a Ferengi Merchant for $14.95 USD, or a Starfleet or Klingon Captain, a Romulan Commander, a Ferengi DaiMon, a Cardassian Gul or a Borg Drone for $29.95 USD. These special upgraded avatars will have their own special chat lounge as well.
Sign-up at www.vir-con.net, download the free 3D plug-in and get a free preview of the world's first official virtual STAR TREK convention.
Stay tuned to TrekWeb next week for a special EXCLUSIVE discount offer on Vir-Con 2002 tickets just for TrekWeb readers!
React to this story below and then see what others are saying about this topic at the STAR TREK BBS.
Send this story to a friend:
