There is a 3D online virtual world developed and operated by Makena Technologies. The platform opened to the public in October 2003 after a two-year beta and counted more than one million registered members by 2009.
Designed for social play rather than combat, the world lets players create custom avatars, build and trade user-generated items, and participate in activities such as buggy races, paintball games, hoverboard challenges and player-hosted events. Land is offered as customizable zones and neighborhoods with an in-game rent system, and all transactions use the in-game currency, Therebucks (T$). Corporate partnerships have featured areas and content from companies like Coca-Cola, MTV, CosmoGIRL! and Paramount Pictures.
There shut down on March 9, 2010, but relaunched on May 2, 2012 under a US$10 monthly subscription model. Interest spiked again in April 2025 after a YouTube documentary went viral, drawing more than 14 million views and prompting a large surge of returning and new players.
Newer neighborhood lots expand on PAZs by letting multiple owners form planned communities.
User-generated content
Users create custom content with There's developer toolkits, using third-party image editing and 3D modeling software to bring clothing, vehicles, buildings, furniture and other items into the game. Once peer-reviewed, items are listed in the virtual marketplace and sold for Therebucks or sold directly to other players.
Activities
Popular pursuits include player-run events, paintball, flying jetpacks, treasure hunts, card games and training virtual pets.
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