Area is a cross between a virtual space and a social network. The goal is to create a lightweight version of user-governed 3D worlds like Decentraland. We strip down the fantastical architecture into squares and hone in on the experience of exploring the world, interacting with people, governance and the financial system.

World

• Grid: Area is a 32 * 32 grid of 1024 squares called pixels, each one either empty, a plot or a road. Players can move around and locate buildings using a co-ordinate system (x,y).
• Plots: Pixels where players can build. Players can bid for plots.
• Roads: Pixels where players can't build. They can only be added or removed by consensus and are useful for designing the city.
• Buildings: Can contain an infinite number of floors. It costs money to add more floors.
• Floors: Also 1024-pixel grids, but in this case each square is a room.
• Rooms are the smallest unit of space in Area where the magic happens.
• Districts are geofenced areas on the map used for navigation.

Gameplay

Grid. Buildings are an outlined square with a number showing the population.

Click a building on the grid to view details or double-click to go in.

Floors are outlined differently to visually differentiate them from the Grid. Cursors add a sense of presence just like in Figma. If you zoom out, the centre of the Reception is a smiley.

Not really sure what a room should look like yet but here's a dump of early ideas

• The central district is called Homebase. It should be well thought out and designed (pixel art as architecture).
• The first floor at HQ is called Reception. All new players spawn here.