Yi.magination Introduces Float Comixware -
The world first interactive storytelling machine!

Newhall, California - December 10, 2002, Yi.magination Studios today announces the release of Float Comixware version 1.2, an unprecedented interactive storytelling apparatus that marries contents and software in one integrated package that offers user true interactivity and endless extensibility. This package not only comes with a top quality graphic novel with animation and sound (see the Float story below), but also gives user the ability to create his/her own stories through re-editing and customizing the supplied multimedia contents.

The Software

For easy analogy, Comixware can be seen as an interactive storytelling "machine". In such machine, contents are "fed" through its engine to create stories rather than "sealed" into an irreversible narrative block (like book or movie). Therefore additional contents can be fueled to this "machine" to expand and renew the existing story. The result of such content architecture is a brand new way of storytelling that empowers user with modulability, extensibility and ease of use.

Modulability
The contents of Comixware are made of modulated story clips that can be recomposed and reshuffled in a timeline in any order or fashion as user desires. Each of these clips is made of scene elements that can be edited and manipulated individually by user. Combining with Comixware's unrestricted timeline the creative possibilities are endless.

Extensibility
Perhaps the most powerful aspect of Comixware is its infinite extensibility of story assets. Not only one can upgrade Comixware with additional story contents from Yi.magination but can also create his/her own user assets to be worked in connection with, or even independently from the existing contents. These user assets can be of almost anything: animation, live action, graphics, sound tracks, interactive objects, and you name it. And best of all, there is no limit on the nature or quantity of these assets either. The limit is only in one's imagination.

Ease of Use
Despite of all its complex features and powerful functions, Comixware is deceivingly easy to use. The interface is intuitive and seamless. You can do almost anything with a simple mouse click or drag-and-drop. A lot of CPU intensive tasks are performed under-the-hood shielding user from the usual logistic details associated with a complex application.

This infinite "machine" comprises of 5 sections: Read, Compose, Play, Save, and Gallery. Each in combination with others addresses the 3 main functions of Comixware: narrative, editing, and community. For more detailed information on the features and functions of Comixware, please go to: http://www.yimagination.com/float/comicware.

The Story

While the "engine" maybe impressive, but without "fuel" it is just a soulless pile of, well, "mechanicals". This is where the "story" comes in. After all, Comixware is all about contents and storytelling. Comixware's very first "soul" (story) is from its creator; Yi-Chih Chen's own title "Float" - a comic book about reincarnation and spiritual enlightenment. Chen first published this esoteric graphic series in 1998. Even at its inception, the idea of interactivity in storytelling was very much in Chen's mind as it is today. In 2001, feeling the limit of the traditional media (like book or movie), Chen set out to create his own storytelling medium that is more in tune with today's interactive contents. As the project evolves the "medium" becomes a "platform" that is not only tailored to Chen's own story but can also accommodate a wide range of other types of "stories". The result of cause is this story independent application suitable for all content creators that Chen calls affectionately, Comixware. To learn more about Yi-Chih Chen and Float comic book, please go to:
http://www.yimagination.com/float/about/credits.html
http://www.yimagination.com/float/book.

In the current release of Comixware, the "fuel" tank (Float story) contains more than 500 animated scenes and elements, 12 originally composed music scores, countless graphics and backgrounds, voice-overs, sound effects, and much more. And all of these brilliantly executed contents can be expanded and upgraded in a later time.

The Demo

A demo version of Comixware is currently posted on Float web site for user evaluation. This is a truncated version of the real thing with reduced contents and features. But all the major functions of Comixware are kept intact for people to get a good idea of its power and potential. In fact one could spend hours already exploring endless creative possibilities with this considerably reduced edition. The demo is at: http://www.yimagination.com/float/comicware/index-demo.html.

Pricing and Availability

Float Comixware 1.2 is scheduled to be released on December 16, 2002. It is priced at $20.00 for the download version. A CD-ROM version and its pricing will be announced later. Comixware is available for sales immediately upon its release, exclusively from Float web site at: http://www.yimagination.com/float/order.

The initial release of Comixware is available for Windows 95, 98, NT4, 2000, ME and XP platforms. A Mac version is currently under development and will be available for ordering in a later date.

Contacts

For further inquiries about Comixware and its licensing, please write to: pr(at)yimagination(dot)com Attention: Steve Chen.