Proposal for creation a 3D virtual world environment to combine elements of social platforms and gaming, where users can create custom avatars, interact with others, and participate in our community more openly and freely. This immersive online world will feature a visually rich, interactive landscape inspired by the spiritual and cultural ethos of Druwayu. Users will navigate through a stylized 3D environment that includes sacred gathering spaces, tranquil gardens, interactive ritual areas, and communal zones for fellowship. The platform will be accessible via standard web browsers on desktops, laptops, and mobile devices, ensuring broad reach without requiring specialized hardware. Key features will include customizable avatars, real-time chat and voice interaction, and dynamic events such as teachings, ceremonies, and community-building activities.
Description: We propose a 3D virtual world for the First Church of Druwayu, blending social platform and gaming elements. Accessible via web browsers on any device, it features custom avatars, interactive sacred spaces, and communal areas that members can help design by producing user made content and can be adapted and updated over time as needed.
Purpose: This virtual environment aims to connect members and newcomers globally, offering an engaging space for spiritual growth, community, and outreach—without requiring expensive gear. It will also have an option for end users to invite others to enjoy with them if they are so inclined.
Estimated Costs for Prototype Development and Operational Sustainability
The creation and maintenance of this virtual environment involve several key cost categories, including prototype development, dedicated servers, moderation, and ongoing maintenance. To ensure financial viability, the platform will also integrate opportunities for smaller businesses to participate, generating revenue to offset operational costs. Below is a detailed breakdown:
Prototype Development Costs
Design and Programming ($25,000 - $50,000)
Development of the initial 3D environment, including assets like landscapes, buildings, and avatars, requires skilled artists and programmers. Costs account for approximately 500-800 hours of work at $50-$65 per hour, depending on complexity and team expertise.
Includes coding for web-based accessibility, user interface design, and integration of interactive features like chat and event systems.
Prototyping and Testing ($10,000 - $15,000)
Creation of a minimum viable product (MVP) for user testing, bug fixing, and refinement. This phase ensures the platform is stable and user-friendly before full launch.
Software Tools and Licenses ($5,000)
Utilization of game engines (e.g., free or low-cost options with minimal licensing fees) and development tools for asset creation and server management.
Total Prototype Cost: $40,000 - $70,000
This range reflects a lean yet functional prototype, scalable based on additional features or polish desired.
Dedicated Servers
Initial Setup ($5,000 - $10,000)
Purchase or leasing of cloud-based servers (e.g., AWS, Azure, or similar) to host the virtual world, ensuring low latency and capacity for 500-1,000 concurrent users.
Monthly Hosting Fees ($500 - $1,500)
Ongoing costs for server bandwidth, storage, and scalability, varying with user growth and traffic demands.
Annual Server Cost: $6,000 - $18,000
Provides a reliable infrastructure to support the platform’s accessibility and performance.
Moderation and Maintenance Budget
Moderation Team ($20,000 - $40,000 annually) as a work from home job
Part-time staff (2-3 moderators) to oversee community interactions, enforce guidelines, and manage events. Estimated at $15-$20 per hour for 20-30 hours weekly.
Maintenance and Updates ($15,000 - $25,000 annually)
Ongoing technical support, software updates, and minor feature additions by a small development team (e.g., 200-300 hours annually at $50-$75/hour).
Total Annual Moderation and Maintenance: $35,000 - $65,000
Ensures a safe, engaging, and technically sound environment over time.
Integration of Smaller Businesses for Revenue Generation
To offset operational costs and create a sustainable model, the platform will offer opportunities for smaller businesses aligned with Druwayu’s values to participate upon verification of the legitimacy and history of their businesses:
Virtual Marketplaces ($10,000 initial setup, $5,000-$15,000 annual revenue)
Small businesses (e.g., artisans, educators, or wellness providers) can rent virtual stalls or spaces to sell goods/services (e.g., digital art, meditation guides, or educational content). A modest setup fee and 10-20% transaction commission could generate steady income.
Sponsored Events ($5,000 - $20,000 annually)
Businesses can sponsor community events or workshops, with branding opportunities integrated into the virtual space (e.g., a sponsored garden or meeting hall).
Advertising Spaces ($3,000 - $10,000 annually)
Subtle, opt-in advertising (e.g., banners or interactive objects) for businesses offering relevant products/services, ensuring minimal disruption to the spiritual experience.
Projected Annual Revenue: $13,000 - $45,000
This income reduces reliance on church funding, potentially covering 20-70% of annual operational costs ($41,000 - $83,000 total, including servers and moderation/maintenance), and allows us to cycle back any net profits to other charitable projects that align with our values and those voted on and determined by majority vote of community members.
Total Estimated Costs
Prototype Development: $40,000 - $70,000 (one-time)
First-Year Operational Costs: $41,000 - $83,000
Revenue Offset: $13,000 - $45,000
Net First-Year Cost: $36,000 - $108,000
Subsequent years would stabilize at $28,000 - $70,000 annually (operational costs minus revenue), assuming steady user growth and business participation.
The First Church of Druwayu’s virtual space/game environment offers an opportunity to expand its mission into the digital realm, promotion of community building and spiritual growth without the barriers of costly hardware for the end users and opens our tradition passively for visitors to enjoy and learn from.
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