3D Groove Games (partially lost online games; 1998-2009): Difference between revisions

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{{InfoboxLost
{{InfoboxLost
|title=3D Groove Games
|title=<center>3D Groove Games</center>
|image=header_01_install.png
|image=header_01_install.png
|imagecaption=3D Groove's logo.
|imagecaption=3D Groove's logo.
|status=<span style="color:orange;">'''Partially found'''</span>
|status=<span style="color:orange;">'''Partially Found'''</span>
}}
}}


3D Groove was a 3D game engine in the early to mid-2000s. Many 3D Groove games were lost when 3D Groove's site shut down in 2009.
'''3D Groove''' was a 3D game engine in the early to mid-2000s. Many 3D Groove games were lost when 3D Groove's site shut down in 2009.


The 3D Groove engine was created by the company The 3D Groove Alliance, Inc. While the 3D Groove Alliance developed their own original games, their main focus was to develop games to advertise various toys, movies, and cartoons. 3D Groove's Advergames would be developed at the request of a company for one of it's brands, such as Radio Shack, At&T, Intel, Pringles, etc. These games could be played online in a web browser plugin, but often there was a more fully featured version of the same game which could be purchased and played offline. The games were licensed royalty-free and non-exclusively, and the game would need to be removed after the license expired, which was another cause for 3D Groove games to become lost. Some of these games are lost although some are still playable, due to copies being found on old hard drives or CD's, or copies backed up by the Wayback Machine from the now defunct website.
The 3D Groove engine was created by the company The 3D Groove Alliance, Inc. While the 3D Groove Alliance developed their own original games, their main focus was to develop games to advertise various toys, movies, and cartoons. 3D Groove's Advergames would be developed at the request of a company for one of it's brands, such as Radio Shack, At&T, Intel, Pringles, etc.


== Technology ==
These games could be played online with a web browser plugin, but often there was a more fully featured version of the same game which could be purchased and played offline. The games were licensed royalty-free and non-exclusively, and the game would need to be removed after the license expired.


3D Groove came in the form of 3D Groove SX and 3D Groove GX. In a similar fashion to Java, 3D Groove games could be built to be played on the desktop or in a browser as a standalone GRV file using 3D Groove GX, or could be developed with Macromedia/Adobe Director to make a Shockwave Player DIR/DXR/DCR file containing a GRV file as a cast member, which required the 3D Groove Xtra to be installed, using 3D Groove SX.
==Technology==
3D Groove came in the different forms (3D Groove SX and 3D Groove GX). Similar to Java, 3D Groove games could be built to be played on the desktop/in a browser as a standalone GRV file using 3D Groove GX, or with Macromedia/Adobe Director to make a Shockwave Player DIR/DXR/DCR file containing a GRV file as a cast member (which required 3D Groove Xtra to be installed) using 3D Groove SX.


== History ==
==History==
 
In 1995, before 3D Groove existed, programmer Jules Urbach worked at DesignFusion and helped to code the game ''Real Pool'', a basic 3D pool game for the Mac intended to rival the ''Virtual Pool'' series. The game was published through MacSoft, and got a Windows port in 1998, which was published through GT Interactive (which would later become Infogrames) shortly before the 3D Groove Alliance was established.
In 1995, before 3D Groove existed, programmer Jules Urbach worked at DesignFusion and helped to code the game Real Pool, a basic 3D pool game for the Mac intended to rival the Virtual Pool series. The game was published through MacSoft, and in 1998 got a Windows port which was published through GT Interactive (which would later become Infogrames) shortly before the 3D Groove Alliance was established.


The 3D Groove Alliance was established July 6, 1998. Mr. Urbach was the company's co-founder, with entrepreneur Chris Kantrowitz and programmer Peter Laufenberg, who did much of the C++ code for the 3D Groove web browser plugin. Other notable names involved with 3D Groove are Patrick Thiel from Pepworks.com (animator,) Ben Encarcion (artist,) Nick Kang (developer,) Jed Whedon and Rene Winkler (music and sound design) and Jamie and Simon Edis from Ezone.com (artist and programmer, respectively, who used 3D Groove for their web games.)
The 3D Groove Alliance was established July 6, 1998. Mr. Urbach was the company's co-founder, with entrepreneur Chris Kantrowitz and programmer Peter Laufenberg, who did much of the C++ code for the 3D Groove web browser plugin. Other notable names involved with 3D Groove are Patrick Thiel from Pepworks.com (animator,) Ben Encarcion (artist,) Nick Kang (developer,) Jed Whedon and Rene Winkler (music and sound design) and Jamie and Simon Edis from Ezone.com (artist and programmer, respectively, who used 3D Groove for their web games.)


The assets used in Real Pool were recycled to make a web demo version, becoming the first use of the 3D Groove engine. Intended to promote the full game, the Real Pool web version used 3D Groove SX and was published on Shockwave.com, becoming their first 3D game, where it got between 5-6 million plays according to Laufenberg. Real Pool made over four million dollars in total sales according to Vice President of Marketing for Infogrames Paul Rinde. Real Pool was later recycled again into an advergame for Jack Daniels.
The assets used in ''Real Pool'' were recycled to make a web demo version, becoming the first use of the 3D Groove engine. Intended to promote the full game, the web version of ''Real Pool'' used 3D Groove SX and was published on Shockwave.com, becoming their first 3D game, where it got between 5-6 million plays according to Laufenberg. The game made over four million dollars in total sales according to Vice President of Marketing for Infogrames Paul Rinde. It was later recycled again into an advergame for Jack Daniels.


The 3D Groove Alliance developed a game called "SkyDive!" which, on June 30, 1999, was released by Electronic Arts with their Gonzo Games label, to mostly negative reviews.
The 3D Groove Alliance then developed a game called ''SkyDive!'' which was released by Electronic Arts on June 30, 1999 with their Gonzo Games label. It received mostly negative reviews.


On March 8, 2000, Shockwave.com announced a partnership with 3D Groove Alliance to develop new games. One of these was Tank Wars, released Spring 2000, a game where you drive around the city playing as a tank destroying other tanks. The game got over 1.5 million plays per month.
On March 8, 2000, Shockwave.com announced a partnership with 3D Groove Alliance to develop new games. One of these was ''Tank Wars'', a game where you drive around the city playing as a tank destroying other tanks. It was released in Spring 2000 and got over 1.5 million plays per month.


From January 2001 to August 2003, Joseph Varet was 3D Groove's CEO.
From January 2001 to August 2003, Joseph Varet was 3D Groove's CEO.


On February 6, 2001, kpe and the 3D Groove Alliance announced a partnership. The first title they released under this partnership was Otto's Killer Carvin Snowboard for NickArcade.
On February 6, 2001, kpe and the 3D Groove Alliance announced a partnership. The first title they released under this partnership was ''Otto's Killer Carvin Snowboard'' for NickArcade.


On July 18, 2001, RealNetworks announced a distribution agreement with the 3D Groove Alliance for their RealArcade platform.
On July 18, 2001, RealNetworks announced a distribution agreement with the 3D Groove Alliance for their RealArcade platform.


In February 2002, 3D Groove made a sequel to Real Pool called Real Pool 2, which became the first game to use the new 3D Groove GX engine version.
In February 2002, 3D Groove made a sequel to ''Real Pool'' called ''Real Pool 2'', which became the first game to use the new 3D Groove GX engine version.


In early 2004 Peter Laufenburg left the 3D Groove Alliance.
In early 2004, Peter Laufenburg left the 3D Groove Alliance.


In April 2004, 3D Groove marketed a new Battle of the Planets game to celebrate the show's 25th Anniversary.
In April 2004, 3D Groove marketed a new ''Battle of the Planets'' game to celebrate the show's 25th anniversary.


Copyrighted 2007, Transformers Battle Universe for the [[Net Jet Games (Lost/Unplayable Video Games; 2007-09)|Net Jet controller]] was also made in the 3D Groove GX engine.
Copyrighted 2007, ''Transformers Battle Universe'' for the [[Net Jet Games (Lost/Unplayable Video Games; 2007-09)|Net Jet controller]] was also made in the 3D Groove GX engine.


In early 2009, 3D Groove's site shut down causing their games to be lost.
In early 2009, 3D Groove's site shut down, causing a lot of their games to be lost.


The exact reason 3D Groove no longer exists is unknown, although one  
The exact reason 3D Groove no longer exists is unknown, although one  
[http://boesky.blogspot.ca/2008/07/check-it-out-otoy-edition.html blog post on A Tree Falling in the Forest about Jules Urbach], who worked on 3D Groove, writes "[Jules Urbach] was kind of screwed by some nefarious folks involved in the [3D Groove Alliance] company." The 3D Groove Alliance rebranded as OTOY, which is still around today, but the company has moved in an entirely different direction. They instead focus on their OctaneRender engine used to create photorealistic graphics from within 3D modelling tools such as Maya, and do not acknowledge the existence of 3D Groove or its games. No 3D Groove games are currently available for purchase.
[http://boesky.blogspot.ca/2008/07/check-it-out-otoy-edition.html blog post] on A Tree Falling in the Forest about Jules Urbach, who worked on 3D Groove, wrote that he was "kind of screwed" by certain people in 3D Groove Alliance. The 3D Groove Alliance rebranded as OTOY, which is still around today, but has moved in a different direction, instead focusing on their OctaneRender engine used to create photorealistic graphics from within 3D modelling tools such as Maya, and do not acknowledge the existence of 3D Groove or its games.
 
== Games ==
 
Here is a list of 3D Groove's games and whether they are lost or not.
 
== 3D Groove Alliance Originals ==
 
Original titles not based on a previously existing IP.
 
9MM: Beer Bottle Shootout - '''Found'''
 
Alien X - '''Found'''
 
Death From Above - '''Found'''
 
Impulse Skyracer - '''Found'''
 
Nothin' But Net - '''Found'''


Piscean - '''Found'''
==Availability of Games==
No 3D Groove games are currently available for purchase. However, several are still available to play thanks to various means, such as archive.org or people uploading a game that was on their computer. A list of games that are lost and found can be viewed below.


Real Pool - '''Found'''
==3D Groove Alliance Original TItles==
*''9MM: Beer Bottle Shootout'' - '''Found'''
*''Alien X'' - '''Found'''
*''Death From Above'' - '''Found'''
*''Impulse Skyracer'' - '''Found'''
*''Nothin' But Net'' - '''Found'''
*''Piscean'' - '''Found'''
*''Real Pool'' - '''Found'''
*''Real Pool 2'' - '''Found'''
*''Showdown: The gunfighting game'' - '''Found'''
*''SkyDive!'' - '''Found'''
*''Tank Wars'' - '''Found'''


Real Pool 2 - '''Found'''
==3D Groove Alliance Advergames==
*3D Groove FedEx Game - '''Existence Unconfirmed'''
*3D Groove Skittles Bowling Game - '''Existence Unconfirmed'''
*''At&T's High Roller'' - '''Lost'''
*''At&T's Unlimited Challenge''/''AT&T's Unlimited Challenge 2'' - '''Lost'''
*''Eight Legged Freaks'' - '''Found'''
*''Intel's Showdown: The gunfighting game'' - '''Unknown'''
*''Jack Daniels Real Pool'' - '''Lost'''
*''Jeep Disk Dodger'' - '''Existence Unconfirmed'''
*''M&M's: Yellow Takes Tokyo'' - '''Lost'''
*''Mazda: Skyracer Impulse'' - '''Unknown'''
*''Mountain Dew Skateboarding'' - '''Lost'''
*''Nesquik: Chocolate Mountain Challenge'' - '''Found'''
*''Pringles Pony Express'' - '''Lost'''
*''Pringles: Super Spud Boxing'' - '''Found'''
*''Radio Shack: RC Stunt Machine Showdown'' - '''Lost'''


Infogrames also made a PS2 version of Real Pool. Although it shares a logo with Real Pool 2, Real Pool on the PS2 was not made in the 3D Groove engine and is an entirely different game.
==Cartoon Network==
*''Powerpuff Girls: Showdown in the Sky'' - '''Found'''
*''Toonami: Trapped in Hyperspace'' - '''Lost'''


Showdown: The gunfighting game - '''Found'''
==Disney==
 
*''American Dragon: Robot Pandemonium'' - '''Found'''
SkyDive! - '''Found'''
*''Dunk Tank'' - '''Lost'''
 
*''JetiXtreme'' - '''Lost'''
Tank Wars - '''Found'''
*''Johnny Kapahala'' - '''Lost'''
 
*''Kim Possible: Middleton Mayhem'' - '''Lost'''
== 3D Groove Alliance Advergames ==
*''Oban Star Racers: Great Race'' - '''Lost'''
 
*''Tarzan's Jungle Rescue'' - '''Lost'''
Games developed for other companies as an advertisement.
*''Yin Yang Yo: The Dangerous Comic Book of Dread'' - '''Lost'''
 
3D Groove FedEx Game - '''Existence Unconfirmed'''
 
3D Groove Skittles Bowling Game - '''Existence Unconfirmed'''
 
At&T's High Roller - '''Lost'''
 
At&T's Unlimited Challenge/AT&T's Unlimited Challenge 2 - '''Lost'''
 
Eight Legged Freaks - '''Found'''
 
Intel's Showdown: The gunfighting game - '''Unknown'''
 
Jack Daniels Real Pool - '''Lost'''
 
Jeep Disk Dodger - '''Existence Unconfirmed'''
 
M&M's: Yellow Takes Tokyo - '''Lost'''
 
Mazda: Skyracer Impulse - '''Unknown'''
 
Mountain Dew Skateboarding - '''Lost'''
 
Nesquik: Chocolate Mountain Challenge - '''Found'''
 
Pringles Pony Express - '''Lost'''
 
Pringles: Super Spud Boxing - '''Found'''
 
Radio Shack: RC Stunt Machine Showdown - '''Lost'''
 
== Cartoon Network ==
 
Powerpuff Girls: Showdown in the Sky - '''Found'''
 
Toonami: Trapped in Hyperspace - '''Lost'''
 
== Disney ==
 
American Dragon: Robot Pandemonium - '''Found'''
 
Dunk Tank - '''Lost'''
 
JetiXtreme - '''Lost'''
 
Johnny Kapahala - '''Lost'''
 
Kim Possible: Middleton Mayhem - '''Lost'''
 
Oban Star Racers: Great Race - '''Lost'''
 
Tarzan's Jungle Rescue - '''Lost'''
 
Yin Yang Yo: The Dangerous Comic Book of Dread - '''Lost'''
 
== Ezone ==


==Ezone==
3D Groove games developed by Ezone.com
3D Groove games developed by Ezone.com
*''Farmer Giblet's Turkey Farm'' (''Turkey 3D!'') - '''Found'''
*''Lenny Loosejocks Boardin''' - '''Found'''
*''Lenny Loosejocks in Snow Worries!'' - '''Found'''
*''Penguin Racers'' - '''Found'''
*''Santa Goes Buttboardin' 3D'' - '''Found'''
*''Super Mega Big Trucks - Arena'' - '''Found'''
*''Space Wombat'' - '''Found'''


Farmer Giblet's Turkey Farm (Turkey 3D!) - '''Found'''
==NickArcade==
 
Lenny Loosejocks Boardin' - '''Found'''
 
Lenny Loosejocks in Snow Worries! - '''Found'''
 
Penguin Racers - '''Found'''
 
Santa Goes Buttboardin' 3D - '''Found'''
 
Super Mega Big Trucks - Arena - '''Found'''
 
Space Wombat - '''Found'''
 
== NickArcade ==
 
3D Groove Games developed for Nickelodeon or Nick Jr.
3D Groove Games developed for Nickelodeon or Nick Jr.
*''All Grown Up Crazy Karts'' - '''Found'''
*''Adventures of Bleeposaurus'' - '''Found'''
*''Adventures of Bleeposaurus - Dragonfire'' - '''Found'''
*''Blues Clues: Joe's 3D Scavenger Hunt'' - '''Found'''
*''Danny Phantom Ghost Sweep'' - '''Found'''
*''Dora the Explorer 3-D Backpack Adventure'' - '''Found'''
*''Dora the Explorer 3D Driving Adventure'' - '''Found'''
*''Dora The Explorer 3-D Pyramid Adventure'' - '''Found'''
*''Dora 3D Soccer'' - '''Found'''
*''Fairly OddParents Information Stupor Highway'' - '''Found'''
*[[Jimmy Neutron: Gotta Blast! Rocket Race (Lost Online Game, 2002)|''Jimmy Neutron: Gotta Blast! Rocket Race'']] - '''Lost'''
*''Jimmy Neutron Space Blast'' - '''Found'''
*''Otto's Killer Carvin Snowboard'' - '''Found'''
*''Rocket Power Big Air Mountain'' - '''Found'''
*SpongeBob SquarePants 3D Movie Game - '''Found'''
*''SpongeBob SquarePants Pinball Panic'' - '''Found'''
*[[SpongeBob SquarePants Saves the Krusty Krab 3D (Found Computer Game; 2002)|''SpongeBob SquarePants Saves the Krusty Krab'']] - '''Found'''
*''Hey, Arnold! Runaway Bus'' - '''Found'''
*''Wild Thornberrys Movie Chopper Chase'' - '''Found'''


All Grown Up Crazy Karts - '''Found'''
==Pepworks.com==
 
*''Animenace: Operation Phantom'' - '''Partially Found''' (Missing Level 4-5)
Adventures of Bleeposaurus - '''Found'''
*''Baby Knight'' - '''Found'''
 
*''Battle of the Planets: Zoltar's Revenge'' - '''Found'''
Adventures of Bleeposaurus - Dragonfire - '''Found'''
*''Bio Boxing 3D'' - '''Found'''
 
*''Cyobreed'' (Unreleased) - '''Unknown'''
Blues Clues: Joe's 3D Scavenger Hunt - '''Found'''
*''Leo's Great Day 2'' - '''Found'''
 
Danny Phantom Ghost Sweep - '''Found'''
 
Dora the Explorer 3-D Backpack Adventure - '''Found'''
 
Dora the Explorer 3D Driving Adventure - '''Found'''
 
Dora The Explorer 3-D Pyramid Adventure - '''Found'''
 
Dora 3D Soccer - '''Found'''
 
Fairly OddParents Information Stupor Highway - '''Found'''
 
[[Jimmy Neutron: Gotta Blast! Rocket Race (Lost Online Game, 2002)|Jimmy Neutron: Gotta Blast! Rocket Race]] - '''Lost'''
 
Jimmy Neutron Space Blast - '''Found'''
 
Otto's Killer Carvin Snowboard - '''Found'''
 
Rocket Power Big Air Mountain - '''Found'''
 
SpongeBob SquarePants 3D Movie Game - '''Found'''
 
SpongeBob SquarePants Pinball Panic - '''Found'''
 
[[SpongeBob SquarePants Saves the Krusty Krab 3D (Found Computer Game; 2002)|SpongeBob SquarePants Saves the Krusty Krab]] - '''Found'''
 
Hey, Arnold! Runaway Bus - '''Found'''
 
Wild Thornberrys Movie Chopper Chase - '''Found'''
 
== Pepworks.com ==
 
Animenace: Operation Phantom - '''Partially Found, Missing Level 4-5'''
 
Baby Knight - '''Found'''
 
Battle of the Planets: Zoltar's Revenge - '''Found'''
 
Bio Boxing 3D - '''Found'''
 
Cyobreed - '''Never Released/Never Finished'''
 
Leo's Great Day 2 - '''Found'''
 
The first Leo's Great Day was a 2D Flash game that did not use 3D Groove technology.
 
== Roddenberry.com ==


==Roddenberry.com==
Some early 3D Groove demos were created by Roddenberry.com as tech demos to show the capability of the 3D Groove engine.
Some early 3D Groove demos were created by Roddenberry.com as tech demos to show the capability of the 3D Groove engine.
*''OTOY Battle Space'' - '''Found'''


OTOY Battle Space - '''Found'''
==NetJet==
 
Games running on 3D Groove that were on [[Net Jet Games (Lost/Unplayable Video Games; 2007-09)|NetJet]].
== NetJet==
*''Transformers Battle Universe'' - '''Lost'''
Games running on 3D Groove that were on [[Net Jet Games (Lost/Unplayable Video Games; 2007-09)|NetJet]], a game console where its content is also considered lost.
 
Transformers Battle Universe - '''Lost'''
 
== Gallery ==


==Gallery==
<gallery mode=packed heights=175px>
<gallery mode=packed heights=175px>
File:3dgroove.png|A clean version of the 3D Groove logo.
File:3dgroove.png|A clean version of the 3D Groove logo.
Line 263: Line 180:
File:Content.png|Screenshot of the game M&M's - Yellow Takes Tokyo.
File:Content.png|Screenshot of the game M&M's - Yellow Takes Tokyo.
File:Content (2).png|Screenshot of the game M&M's - Yellow Takes Tokyo.
File:Content (2).png|Screenshot of the game M&M's - Yellow Takes Tokyo.
</gallery>
</gallery>


== External links ==
==External Links==
*[https://mega.nz/#F!9xx1Fb6J!htG1PEOPan3QnbSB_j3m_A Link to a MEGA folder containing some found 3D Groove content, including games and Shockwave xtras. All games are for Windows unless otherwise specified.]
*[https://mega.nz/#F!9xx1Fb6J!htG1PEOPan3QnbSB_j3m_A Link to a MEGA folder containing some found 3D Groove content, including games and Shockwave xtras. All games are for Windows unless otherwise specified.]
*[http://www.seanlydon.com/sonyconnectcd/profiles/930.htm The 3D Groove Alliance's business model]
*[http://www.seanlydon.com/sonyconnectcd/profiles/930.htm The 3D Groove Alliance's business model]
*[http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/198664-skydive/index.html Information on SkyDive!]
*[http://www.gamerankings.com/pc/198664-skydive/index.html Information on SkyDive!]
*[http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/groove-alliance-to-debut-six-new-3d-games-on-shockwavecom-72989302.html Information on Shockwave.com's partnership with 3D Groove Alliance.]
*[http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/groove-alliance-to-debut-six-new-3d-games-on-shockwavecom-72989302.html Information on Shockwave.com's partnership with 3D Groove Alliance.]
*[http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-groove-alliance-and-kpe-form-strategic-partnership-71229517.html Information on kpe's partnership with 3D Groove Alliance.]
*[http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-groove-alliance-and-kpe-form-strategic-partnership-71229517.html Information on kpe's partnership with 3D Groove Alliance.]
*[http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/realnetworks-announces-distribution-agreements-with-activision-and-other-game-publishers-as-popularity-of-realarcade-grows-71392512.html Information on RealNetworks distribution agreement with 3D Groove Alliance.]
*[http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/realnetworks-announces-distribution-agreements-with-activision-and-other-game-publishers-as-popularity-of-realarcade-grows-71392512.html Information on RealNetworks distribution agreement with 3D Groove Alliance.]
*[http://www.gamezone.com/news/infogrames_inc_racks_em_up_nationwide_as_real_pool_2_ships Statistics and information about Real Pool.]
*[http://www.gamezone.com/news/infogrames_inc_racks_em_up_nationwide_as_real_pool_2_ships Statistics and information about Real Pool.]
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/jvaret Joseph Varet's LinkedIn suggesting there was a FedEx advergame in the 3D Groove engine. No title is given.]
*[https://www.linkedin.com/in/jvaret Joseph Varet's LinkedIn suggesting there was a FedEx advergame in the 3D Groove engine. No title is given.]
*[http://boesky.blogspot.ca/2008/07/check-it-out-otoy-edition.html A blog post on A Tree Falling in the Forest about Jules Urbach who was involved with 3D Groove.]
*[http://boesky.blogspot.ca/2008/07/check-it-out-otoy-edition.html A blog post on A Tree Falling in the Forest about Jules Urbach who was involved with 3D Groove.]
*[http://www.legendsworld.net/shooter/game/2176 Statistic about the game Tank Wars.]
*[http://www.legendsworld.net/shooter/game/2176 Statistic about the game Tank Wars.]


[[Category:Lost video games]]
[[Category:Lost video games]]

Revision as of 05:16, 2 January 2017

Header 01 install.png

3D Groove's logo.

Status: Partially Found


3D Groove was a 3D game engine in the early to mid-2000s. Many 3D Groove games were lost when 3D Groove's site shut down in 2009.

The 3D Groove engine was created by the company The 3D Groove Alliance, Inc. While the 3D Groove Alliance developed their own original games, their main focus was to develop games to advertise various toys, movies, and cartoons. 3D Groove's Advergames would be developed at the request of a company for one of it's brands, such as Radio Shack, At&T, Intel, Pringles, etc.

These games could be played online with a web browser plugin, but often there was a more fully featured version of the same game which could be purchased and played offline. The games were licensed royalty-free and non-exclusively, and the game would need to be removed after the license expired.

Technology

3D Groove came in the different forms (3D Groove SX and 3D Groove GX). Similar to Java, 3D Groove games could be built to be played on the desktop/in a browser as a standalone GRV file using 3D Groove GX, or with Macromedia/Adobe Director to make a Shockwave Player DIR/DXR/DCR file containing a GRV file as a cast member (which required 3D Groove Xtra to be installed) using 3D Groove SX.

History

In 1995, before 3D Groove existed, programmer Jules Urbach worked at DesignFusion and helped to code the game Real Pool, a basic 3D pool game for the Mac intended to rival the Virtual Pool series. The game was published through MacSoft, and got a Windows port in 1998, which was published through GT Interactive (which would later become Infogrames) shortly before the 3D Groove Alliance was established.

The 3D Groove Alliance was established July 6, 1998. Mr. Urbach was the company's co-founder, with entrepreneur Chris Kantrowitz and programmer Peter Laufenberg, who did much of the C++ code for the 3D Groove web browser plugin. Other notable names involved with 3D Groove are Patrick Thiel from Pepworks.com (animator,) Ben Encarcion (artist,) Nick Kang (developer,) Jed Whedon and Rene Winkler (music and sound design) and Jamie and Simon Edis from Ezone.com (artist and programmer, respectively, who used 3D Groove for their web games.)

The assets used in Real Pool were recycled to make a web demo version, becoming the first use of the 3D Groove engine. Intended to promote the full game, the web version of Real Pool used 3D Groove SX and was published on Shockwave.com, becoming their first 3D game, where it got between 5-6 million plays according to Laufenberg. The game made over four million dollars in total sales according to Vice President of Marketing for Infogrames Paul Rinde. It was later recycled again into an advergame for Jack Daniels.

The 3D Groove Alliance then developed a game called SkyDive! which was released by Electronic Arts on June 30, 1999 with their Gonzo Games label. It received mostly negative reviews.

On March 8, 2000, Shockwave.com announced a partnership with 3D Groove Alliance to develop new games. One of these was Tank Wars, a game where you drive around the city playing as a tank destroying other tanks. It was released in Spring 2000 and got over 1.5 million plays per month.

From January 2001 to August 2003, Joseph Varet was 3D Groove's CEO.

On February 6, 2001, kpe and the 3D Groove Alliance announced a partnership. The first title they released under this partnership was Otto's Killer Carvin Snowboard for NickArcade.

On July 18, 2001, RealNetworks announced a distribution agreement with the 3D Groove Alliance for their RealArcade platform.

In February 2002, 3D Groove made a sequel to Real Pool called Real Pool 2, which became the first game to use the new 3D Groove GX engine version.

In early 2004, Peter Laufenburg left the 3D Groove Alliance.

In April 2004, 3D Groove marketed a new Battle of the Planets game to celebrate the show's 25th anniversary.

Copyrighted 2007, Transformers Battle Universe for the Net Jet controller was also made in the 3D Groove GX engine.

In early 2009, 3D Groove's site shut down, causing a lot of their games to be lost.

The exact reason 3D Groove no longer exists is unknown, although one blog post on A Tree Falling in the Forest about Jules Urbach, who worked on 3D Groove, wrote that he was "kind of screwed" by certain people in 3D Groove Alliance. The 3D Groove Alliance rebranded as OTOY, which is still around today, but has moved in a different direction, instead focusing on their OctaneRender engine used to create photorealistic graphics from within 3D modelling tools such as Maya, and do not acknowledge the existence of 3D Groove or its games.

Availability of Games

No 3D Groove games are currently available for purchase. However, several are still available to play thanks to various means, such as archive.org or people uploading a game that was on their computer. A list of games that are lost and found can be viewed below.

3D Groove Alliance Original TItles

  • 9MM: Beer Bottle Shootout - Found
  • Alien X - Found
  • Death From Above - Found
  • Impulse Skyracer - Found
  • Nothin' But Net - Found
  • Piscean - Found
  • Real Pool - Found
  • Real Pool 2 - Found
  • Showdown: The gunfighting game - Found
  • SkyDive! - Found
  • Tank Wars - Found

3D Groove Alliance Advergames

  • 3D Groove FedEx Game - Existence Unconfirmed
  • 3D Groove Skittles Bowling Game - Existence Unconfirmed
  • At&T's High Roller - Lost
  • At&T's Unlimited Challenge/AT&T's Unlimited Challenge 2 - Lost
  • Eight Legged Freaks - Found
  • Intel's Showdown: The gunfighting game - Unknown
  • Jack Daniels Real Pool - Lost
  • Jeep Disk Dodger - Existence Unconfirmed
  • M&M's: Yellow Takes Tokyo - Lost
  • Mazda: Skyracer Impulse - Unknown
  • Mountain Dew Skateboarding - Lost
  • Nesquik: Chocolate Mountain Challenge - Found
  • Pringles Pony Express - Lost
  • Pringles: Super Spud Boxing - Found
  • Radio Shack: RC Stunt Machine Showdown - Lost

Cartoon Network

  • Powerpuff Girls: Showdown in the Sky - Found
  • Toonami: Trapped in Hyperspace - Lost

Disney

  • American Dragon: Robot Pandemonium - Found
  • Dunk Tank - Lost
  • JetiXtreme - Lost
  • Johnny Kapahala - Lost
  • Kim Possible: Middleton Mayhem - Lost
  • Oban Star Racers: Great Race - Lost
  • Tarzan's Jungle Rescue - Lost
  • Yin Yang Yo: The Dangerous Comic Book of Dread - Lost

Ezone

3D Groove games developed by Ezone.com

  • Farmer Giblet's Turkey Farm (Turkey 3D!) - Found
  • Lenny Loosejocks Boardin' - Found
  • Lenny Loosejocks in Snow Worries! - Found
  • Penguin Racers - Found
  • Santa Goes Buttboardin' 3D - Found
  • Super Mega Big Trucks - Arena - Found
  • Space Wombat - Found

NickArcade

3D Groove Games developed for Nickelodeon or Nick Jr.

  • All Grown Up Crazy Karts - Found
  • Adventures of Bleeposaurus - Found
  • Adventures of Bleeposaurus - Dragonfire - Found
  • Blues Clues: Joe's 3D Scavenger Hunt - Found
  • Danny Phantom Ghost Sweep - Found
  • Dora the Explorer 3-D Backpack Adventure - Found
  • Dora the Explorer 3D Driving Adventure - Found
  • Dora The Explorer 3-D Pyramid Adventure - Found
  • Dora 3D Soccer - Found
  • Fairly OddParents Information Stupor Highway - Found
  • Jimmy Neutron: Gotta Blast! Rocket Race - Lost
  • Jimmy Neutron Space Blast - Found
  • Otto's Killer Carvin Snowboard - Found
  • Rocket Power Big Air Mountain - Found
  • SpongeBob SquarePants 3D Movie Game - Found
  • SpongeBob SquarePants Pinball Panic - Found
  • SpongeBob SquarePants Saves the Krusty Krab - Found
  • Hey, Arnold! Runaway Bus - Found
  • Wild Thornberrys Movie Chopper Chase - Found

Pepworks.com

  • Animenace: Operation Phantom - Partially Found (Missing Level 4-5)
  • Baby Knight - Found
  • Battle of the Planets: Zoltar's Revenge - Found
  • Bio Boxing 3D - Found
  • Cyobreed (Unreleased) - Unknown
  • Leo's Great Day 2 - Found

Roddenberry.com

Some early 3D Groove demos were created by Roddenberry.com as tech demos to show the capability of the 3D Groove engine.

  • OTOY Battle Space - Found

NetJet

Games running on 3D Groove that were on NetJet.

  • Transformers Battle Universe - Lost

Gallery

  • A clean version of the 3D Groove logo.

    A clean version of the 3D Groove logo.

  • The 3D Groove logo in blue, as seen in Alien X.

    The 3D Groove logo in blue, as seen in Alien X.

  • The Groove Alliance banner.

    The Groove Alliance banner.

  • The logo for "Radio Shack: RC Stunt Machine Showdown."

    The logo for "Radio Shack: RC Stunt Machine Showdown."

  • A still from Hey Arnold Runaway Bus 3D

    A still from Hey Arnold Runaway Bus 3D

  • Title screen for Dora the Explorer Backpack Adventure 3D

    Title screen for Dora the Explorer Backpack Adventure 3D

  • Pringles Pony Express.png
  • Powerpuff Girls 3D Bubbles.png
  • 3D Blues Clues Grocery Store.png
  • Dora 3D Backpack Pond.png
  • Diego 3D Rescue Screenshot.png
  • Nesquik 3D Screenshot.png
  • Dora 3D Driving Adventure Screenshot.png
  • Dora 3D Pyramid Adventue Screenshot.png
  • Dora 3D Barn.png
  • Blues Clues 3D House.png
  • Mazda Skyracer Impulse Screenshot.png
  • Blues Clues 3D Cash Register.png
  • Blues Clues 3D School.png
  • Blues Clues 3D Park.png
  • Hey Arnold 3D Advertisement.png
  • Hey Arnold 3D Bridge.png
  • Jimmy Neutron Space Blast Ad.png
  • Wild Thornberries 3D Chopper Chase Nigel Thornberry.png
  • Pringles Spud Boxing Screenshot.png
  • Rocket Power Big Air Mountain Screenshot.png
  • Jimmy Neutron 3D Screenshot.png
  • Dora 3D Soccer Screenshot.png
  • WTCC Nigel Running.png
  • Wild Thornberries 3D Chopper Chase Eliza Thornberry Gameplay.png
  • Pringles 3D Boxing Twisted Curly O' Brien.png
  • Yin yang Yo.jpg
  • Thumbnail of the game JetiXtreme.

    Thumbnail of the game JetiXtreme.

  • Thumbnail of the game Kim Possible: Middleton Mayhem.

    Thumbnail of the game Kim Possible: Middleton Mayhem.

  • Small screenshot of the game Kim Possible: Middleton Mayhem.

    Small screenshot of the game Kim Possible: Middleton Mayhem.

  • Screenshot of the game M&M's - Yellow Takes Tokyo.

    Screenshot of the game M&M's - Yellow Takes Tokyo.

  • Screenshot of the game M&M's - Yellow Takes Tokyo.

    Screenshot of the game M&M's - Yellow Takes Tokyo.

External Links

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