Finnish Muxlim Launches World’s First Virtual World for Muslims

December 9, 2008
Author: Timo Paloheimo
Category: Startups from Finland

Muxlim, the world’s largest online community, and is based in Finland, has launched the world’s first virtual world for muslims, Muxlim Pal. As the name implies, the virtual world wants to be the user’s virtual friend instead of a virtual representation of the user.

Muxlim Pal, which is “currently in prototype for testing purposes” was designed by Finnish digital agency FWD Helsinki and developed by Muxlim and Mahtava Development. The world is a browser based flash application with a 3D-illusion environment, i.e gives an impression of being a 3D-application without really being one. I have to agree that the technical implementation was a wise choice as 3D in flash is really primitive at the moment.

As far as can be seen from the screenshots, Muxlim Pal reminds me of Habbo, but with some uniquely muslim features. The characters are not as pixel-perfect as the surroundings, furniture and other items. But the isometric view gives a very Habbo-like feeling. From the screenshots i gather that Muxlim will make their money from virtual goods: clothers and furniture for the user’s to decorate their pal’s rooms.

From their press release:

Muxlim Pal allows users to create their own virtual friend who has a personal room within the world. Both can be customised, enhanced, decorated and developed by following certain actions or purchasing accessories and items. Muxlim Pal also permits brands to advertise their own products, as well as interact with users in different parts of the world.

Tags: Flash, FWD Helsinki, Mahtava Development, Muxlim, Muxlim Pal, Startups from Finland, virtual goods, virtual worlds