Towards a holistic methodology for engineering 3D Virtual World applications

3D Virtual World applications are developed in an ad-hoc fashion and the development does not follow predefined processes or methodologies. However, as with any other application, a well informed development methodology increases the efficiency and helps to avoid potential errors. In this paper we are going to present a methodology for the development of applications in 3D Virtual Worlds that is based on results from previous related works, our experiences in developing 3D Virtual Worlds and influences from agile and Web 2.0 software development practices. The methodology is defined on a high level and serves as a guideline covering all stages of the development life cycle. We present two new stages, a familiarization stage and a technology selection stage, which have not been considered in this detail in other methodologies so far and discuss how the methodology has been established within the context of creating a 3D e-Tourism environment.