SAPARi
| Company type | Online service |
|---|---|
| Industry | Virtual environment, online community |
| Founded | February 6, 1997 |
| Defunct | January 31, 2003 |
| Fate | Service terminated |
Area served | Online users (primarily Japan) |
| Products | 3D virtual environment platform, Community Place Browser |
| Owner | Sony |
was an online 3-D virtual environment service developed in Java and managed by Sony. Participants accessed the platform through the Community Place Browser to enter chat rooms and represent themselves as customizable avatars resembling humans or animals. The name originates from Sampo Park Relaxation. Between 1997 and 2001, SAPARi came pre-installed on Sony's VAIO computers. The official operation of the service concluded on January 31, 2003.
Worlds
The virtual environments consisted of 3D spaces designed using VRML technology and were hosted on Sony’s servers. At launch, only the "Park" world was accessible; as the user community expanded, more Worlds were introduced.
Browser
SAPARi utilized a dedicated browser called the Community Place Browser, which separated the display into distinct windows for 3D visuals and chat interactions ("Multi-User Window"). This browser supported the "Internet 3D Pack," which came pre-installed on VAIO machines. Although the official servers have been discontinued, users can still explore VRML worlds employing SAPARi avatars.
Avatars
The system provided users with a selection of over one hundred avatar designs featuring both human and animal forms, allowing customization in color and size. New participants were assigned a default pink cat avatar. Certain Worlds enforced limitations on which avatars could be used.
Communication
Interaction occurred within proximity ranges, with messages appearing above avatars and recorded in chat logs. Additionally, avatars could perform gestures such as waving or sleeping.
Development
Tsunetake Noma led development using a DEC PC equipped with a Mitsubishi Diamond monitor. For GCO, 3D models were crafted using NewTek’s "LightWave 3D" software and converted from DXF format into VRML for authoring and programming motion, initially implemented in Java. Testing was conducted across multiple computers arranged in a server-client configuration. Content publication, site maintenance, and user assistance were handled by a dedicated user group. Noma managed the entire workflow after receiving design inputs from contracted modelers.
Timeline
- February 6, 1997 – Launch of SAPARi Service
- November 1999 – Beta release of "SAPARi Millenium"
- January 2000 – Official release of "SAPARi Millenium"
- September 1, 2001 – Implementation of a monthly usage fee of 300¥
- January 31, 2003 – Termination of SAPARi service
Bundled with VAIO computers, SAPARi attracted hundreds of thousands of users but faced challenges monetizing its expanding audience. Following So-net’s acquisition and introduction of fees for previously free content, user dissatisfaction caused the community to deteriorate alongside revenue losses, culminating in service closure. In 2020, enthusiasts revived SAPARi by reverse-engineering it to operate private servers such as Kogs and Kitunes.