FlatChat is a virtual world for everyone to join, share, and create. FlatChat was designed to showcase the features of Badumna,
a decentralised network engine for massively scalable virtual worlds. It demonstrates complete virtual world functionality (interaction,
creation and persistence). The game state synchronisation is fully decentralised using Badumna.
What are the benefit of having decentralised functionality?
By using a decentralised architecture we are able to scale the application to unlimited number
of users. There is no practical limit as to how large the world size can be. The more users we have in the world, the bigger the world can
grow. Having a decentralised architecture also make its more robust as there is no dependence on servers for game state synchronisation.
How much does it cost to join FlatChat?
FlatChat is a completely free virtual world application. Everyone is welcome to join, share and create.
What is Badumna?
Badumna is a network engine that was designed to support massively multiplayer online applications. For more details regarding Badumna,
you can visit the website: www.badumna.com
Building and creating
How do I build in FlatChat?
You need to switch to build mode by pressing the "Builder" tab. Refer to online help for more details on editing.
Do I need specific skills to build in FlatChat?
Building in FlatChat is very easy. You don't need any specific skills. It is a matter of selecting a tile (foreground or background)
from a tile group and clicking in the lot where you want to place the tile. If you want the same tile to be replicated across a larger region
then you can increase the brush size.
How many credit points do I need to build in FlatChat?
The cost of building in FlatChat depends on the lot. Each lot has a fixed cost of building per tile. When you get close to a lot,
the application displays the cost of editing per tile and the number of users currently editing the lot.
I just created a beautiful castle in a lot and some other user destroyed my creation. Can I get my creation back?
We do maintain previous versions of lot information. Therefore it is possible to recover your creation. Send us an email with
the details of your creation and we will be able to restore it for you.
Technical
What are the system requirements?
You need a computer running Windows XP or Vista and .NET 3.5 installed. If you don't have .NET installed, the FlatChat installer
will install it for you.
How do I register for an account?
You can signup for an account from the signup link on the website or from within the application, when you first start FlatChat.
I am unable to connect?
Check if you can access the internet. If you are able to access the internet, you may be behind a firewall that is blocking
UDP traffic. If that is the case, you need to switch to http tunnelling. Go to - "Settings" and select "Preferences".
Check the box - "Use HTTP tunnel". Restart Flatchat. If you are still unable to connect, then contact us.
When I first start the application, why do I get a windows pop-up asking to unblock the program?
This is a standard feature of Windows OS. When you install any application that accesses outside machines, Windows
will check if you want to allow the application to access the internet.
Why is the installation taking such a long time?
This is probably because you don't have .NET installed on your computer and the installer is installing it for you.
Are there any known issues?
Here is a list of known issues:
1. Friends list may show incorrect status information.
2. Private chat may not work as expected.
3. Profile information may not be saved correctly.
If you come across any other issue, please use the "Submit a bug report" link under "Help" menu
to notify us.
I am having other technical problems?
You can either post your problem on the FlatChat forum or contact us using the contact us link at the bottom of this page.
Membership and credits
How do I signup for an account?
You can sign-up for an account by using the Signup link. This link is also accessbile from within the login box in FlatChat
Are there different FlatChat accounts?
There is only one type of FlatChat account for everyone.
What can I do with FlatChat credits?
You can use credits to build in FlatChat. The more credits you have, the more you can build
How do I obtain more credits?
The more time you spend in FlatChat, the more credits you will accrue. At the moment, you will receive $200 for every day you
spend in FlatChat.
I am out of credits, is there anyway I can receive additional credits to build?
At this stage, there is no other way to obtain credits apart from spending time in FlatChat.
I want to build a massive complex and don't have enough credits. What do I do?
If you have made significant contribution to the FlatChat world in the past, you may be eligible for a bonus.
You can contact us and request us for additional points based on your past contribution.
Can I buy credits with real money?
No, at this point the only way you can obtain credits is by spending time in FlatChat.
FlatChat decorum
FlatChat decorum is a simple set of rules that all FlatChatters should follow when using FlatChat. Users should not misbehave when they are
interacting with other users and should treat others as they would treat themselves. Users should share their ideas and imagination and help
to build the world in harmony. Users who misbehave and destroy other users' creations will be banned from FlatChat.
Community
Is there a FlatChat forum where I can start a discussion regarding FlatChat?
Yes, there is a
FlatChat forum where you can start a discussion. You need to register to access the forum.
Can I contribute to the development of FlatChat?
At this stage we are not looking for contributors. However, if you are interested in contributing to the development the send us an email
and let us know yourinterest so that we can keep you on our list of interested parties.
Can I send suggestions to improve FlatChat?
Yes, you are welcome to send suggestions for improvement. Please use the
FlatChar forum or the contact us link to send us a message.
Privacy
Is my profile information visible to everyone?
Yes, your profile infomation is visible to anyone in FlatChat. So make sure you only enter details you are comfortable to share with
anyone.
Can I share my personal details and password with others?
You should never disclose your personal details or your password with other users in FlatChat.
How secure is private chat?
Private chat messages are sent securely between the two users. However, it is advisable not to exchange
confidential information via private chat
