Pangea's Birthday

 This weekend there will be a big party event to mark the 4 years of Pangea grid.

There's a parade, a ballet, a party, on 12 October from 11.00 am SLT on region Koeln not to mention en exciting GoKart competition. Marlon Wayne and his merry band of builders, scripters, and artists are celebrating a big milestone. Here's an in depth interview with the man himself.

Marlon Wayne: My virtual life began in 2006 in Second Life. Back then, I was fascinated by the limitless possibilities of this virtual world, where one could build their own projects and immerse in communities. I was especially drawn to virtual Cologne, partly because of my real-life proximity to the city. I quickly became part of a special family in the virtual city and was passionately involved in the carnival, as well as in music and show projects.

When Second Life changed its terms of service (TOS) in 2011, I decided to move to Avination. I was allowed to take my virtual version of Cologne with me, which remains an integral part of Pangea today. In Avination, I met many new people who accompanied me on my virtual journey, and some of them are now part of Pangea.

After Avination closed in 2015, I began looking for a new, stable grid that could be a reliable home for my vision and the virtual communities we had already built. However, the search proved difficult because many grids at the time were struggling with technical issues and unstable servers. Although I didn’t have the technical expertise to run my own grid, I was determined to try. I rented a server, but I knew I would need support.

sim Koeln as it looks today on Pangea

Luckily, I had already met Kitty Sarrassine in 2010, an extremely talented server administrator and programmer. Thanks to her technical knowledge and tireless effort, I was able to bring my vision and long-held dream to life: creating my own grid. Kitty supported me from the beginning and played a crucial role in making this project a reality.

On August 31, 2020, the first avatar of our new grid was born—Kitty Sarrassine herself. She worked meticulously to ensure that every detail was set up correctly and that the grid ran smoothly and reliably. After weeks of hard work, it was finally ready, and on September 27, 2020, the second avatar, Marlon Wayne, was born.

Kitty Sarrassine

Thirza Ember:  It's always fascinating to learn toe backstory to the names people choose for themselves and their grids or regions. Can you tell us - why 'Pangea' ?

Marlon Wayne: Owning our own grid was an exciting and fulfilling experience, but one important aspect was missing: the right name. After much consideration, we decided to call it Pangea. The supercontinent Pangea once symbolized unity before breaking into the continents we know today. This idea of togetherness and connection perfectly matched our vision. We wanted to create a small but open grid where people from different virtual worlds could come together, just as Pangea once united the world’s landmasses.

For us, the name Pangea symbolizes not only the start of a new virtual space but also the idea of bringing people together in a connected and united world. As time passed, our grid grew, and the first residents arrived. Beautiful regions began to take shape, and more people became part of our community.

Now, as we celebrate four years of Pangea, this is a very special milestone for all of us. We are incredibly proud of what has been created over these four years—the community that has developed, the projects that have come to life, and the friendships that have formed across borders. Pangea is not just a grid, but a living world where people feel connected.

Kitty, Marlon, and Tutz

Thirza Ember: Pangea has a good reputation for being a place without drama. How do you try to keep everything so peaceful?

Marlon Wayne: Pangea is a small grid with a limited number of residents, which gives us the advantage of having a close, almost family-like community. We are a group of creative people from various parts of the world who have found each other and offer mutual support. Our community is built on mutual respect, help, and peaceful coexistence. This means that we consciously stay out of conflicts or drama that may arise in other grids.

Our philosophy is simple: everyone is welcome in Pangea, and everyone should treat others the way they want to be treated. This principle of mutual respect is one of the main reasons we have managed to maintain such a peaceful environment. It is important to us that everyone feels comfortable and finds their place in Pangea without fear of conflict or negativity.

This approach has served us well. To this day, we have successfully kept Pangea as a drama-free zone, and we take pride in maintaining this peaceful atmosphere. Our goal is to ensure that Pangea remains a place of calm and togetherness, where everyone can find their space in a positive and supportive community.

Nyx Breen's giant art on Pangea

Marlon Wayne: Artists are incredibly important to us in Pangea, and we support them in every way possible. We don’t just want to give them a temporary platform but offer them a permanent space where they can freely express their art and showcase their works long-term. Every artist who comes to Pangea should have the opportunity to realize their vision without any obstacles.

Like anyone, I have my own tastes when it comes to art, but art is always subjective. In Pangea, there are countless forms and styles, and we warmly welcome every artist to explore their creativity. Whether it’s through providing sims or offering technical support, we stand by our artists in every way.

Art is an integral part of our community, and we are proud to be a place where art is not only appreciated but actively promoted. Our Festival of Culture is a prime example and has become a staple event in Pangea. We regularly invite new and established artists to share their works with a wider audience through this festival.

Art in virtual worlds is a special form of creativity that uses digital spaces and technology to create immersive and interactive works of art. These range from installations, architecture, and sculptures to performances and 3D worlds crafted by talented artists. This art is accessible to everyone, regardless of geographic or physical barriers. Anyone can immerse themselves in these digital spaces, explore art from different perspectives, and even interact with it. In Pangea, art becomes a shared experience that connects people from around the world.

Tryad Destiny was a featured artist as part of the ongoing Art and Culture festival

Some of the most impressive art projects in Pangea come from artists such as Tryad Destiny, Nyx Breen, Terra Merhyem, Rage Darkstone, Cherry Manga, and FeliX Ringtail. These artists have enriched our world with their innovative art sims and installations. We are also proud to showcase works by Cleopata Rajal, Serafina Bollettie, and many others. The unforgettable Summer of Love Performance by Medora Chevalier, Alazi Sautereau, and Zimp Rexie will always hold a special place in our history. Soon, the breathtaking art sim by Tina Bey will be part of our Art and Culture Festival in Pangea.

These art sims are always open to visitors in the Pangea Grid, and we are excited to welcome more talented artists and offer them the freedom to showcase their art within our community.

Cherry Manga's Anatobotanica

Marlon Wayne: I am incredibly grateful to be surrounded by so many wonderful and creative people. It’s truly amazing how each person, individually or together, helps and supports one another. This community is something special, and I’d like to highlight a few of the people who have shaped Pangea.

Let me start with Kitty Sarrassine, whom I met back in 2010 in Avination. From the beginning, it was clear that she was not only an extraordinary person but also a gifted technician with an endless well of knowledge about server administration and programming. To this day, Kitty remains a close friend and an irreplaceable part of our community in Pangea. Without her tireless work and technical expertise, the grid would not be what it is today. Kitty is the engine that keeps Pangea running. She not only ensures that the technical systems remain stable but is always there when technical challenges or questions arise. Her patience and dedication are admirable—she often works behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly, allowing us to focus on our creative projects. We are all incredibly thankful to have Kitty in our community.

Art by Rage Darkstone

Karsten Runningbear and I have known each other since the days of Second Life. Our shared history in the virtual world is long, and over the years, I’ve come to appreciate Karsten not only as a highly creative mind but also as a reliable friend. What sets him apart is his incredible talent as a scripter. Karsten is a true genius when it comes to writing scripts. No matter how complex or technically challenging a project is, he always finds a way to make it work. A standout example of his work is the Pangea Go-Kart Race, for which he created all the scripts that make the event so entertaining and interactive. But that’s just one of many projects where Karsten has demonstrated his scripting abilities.

Karsten's famous seaplane - it only lands on water

Marlon Wayne: I met Tutz Zabelin in 2015 in OpenSim, and since then, she has become an indispensable force in our community. Tutz is an incredibly talented sim designer who has created many impressive sims. Some of her most notable projects include Italy, Portugal, Sverige, Grinda, Treasure Island, and many more breathtaking creations. Each of her sims is crafted with love and attention to detail, transporting visitors to distant worlds. What sets Tutz apart is not just her artistic talent but also her efficiency and precision. She not only builds quickly but with a level of care that turns each project into a masterpiece.

Tutz on Treasure Island

Marlon Wayne:  Lampithaler Artist is not only a highly talented artist but also a close friend in real life, whom I originally met in Second Life. Even back then, art was her main focus, and this passion continues to inspire all her projects today. Lampithaler’s creativity always amazes, especially with her fairy-tale sims like Cloudshead Worldheart, which immerse visitors in magical, dreamlike worlds and capture the essence of virtual art. 

Marlon Wayne:  However, her creativity goes far beyond sim design. She is involved in many different areas and brings her diverse talents to Pangea. A key part of her work is collaborating on the Art and Culture Festival in Pangea. Additionally, Lampithaler is active in Machinima creation, web design, social media, and poster design. Lampithaler is a true asset to Pangea, contributing not only through her art but also through her organizational and social skills. We are incredibly grateful to have her as part of our community.

Terra Merhyem

Marlon Wayne:  Reno Parx is an exceptionally talented composer who creates the music for many of the joint art projects with Lampithaler. His musical compositions add emotional depth to the projects and create a special atmosphere that elevates the artistic works to another level. Reno has a unique ability to enhance the mood of the artworks through his music, making them even more impactful. His skill in integrating music into the creative process is crucial in allowing the works of Lampithaler and other artists in Pangea to reach their full potential. Reno brings a sonic dimension to the projects that perfectly complements the visual art, offering visitors a holistic and immersive experience.

Hunting for freebies? Try Bink Draconia's region Needful Things, on pangea

Marlon Wayne:  Bink Draconia is another creative multitalent who constantly impresses. She designs thematic, unique sims such as The Good Place, Black White Castle, and Eternal Ice, to name just a few. Each of her sims is a captivating experience that transports visitors into exciting and immersive worlds. In addition, Bink organizes exciting shows, including a standout event: a men’s ballet, which always garners excitement. Her freebie sim, Needful Things, is also particularly noteworthy, packed with fantastic items and always worth a visit. Her creativity and innovation make her an invaluable part of our community.

I also met Lilly Topas in OpenSim, and she quickly proved herself to be an incredibly talented artist. In Pangea, she built the impressive medieval sim Washago, which is one of the true gems of our grid. Her attention to detail and creative instincts make Washago a fascinating place that transports visitors to a bygone era. In addition to her remarkable builds, Lilly also designs clothing, showcasing her creative versatility. Her work has enriched Pangea, and we are proud to have her as part of our community.

Fluxantis

Marlon Wayne:  Finja and Jason Flux joined us through Mimi Reich, who sadly passed away in 2021 and is deeply missed by all of us. Since then, Finja and Jason have been a tremendous asset to Pangea, always helping where they can. Finja contributes her talent for avatar design, while Jason impresses with his Blender skills. Together, they created the exceptional sim Fluxanties and the sim Wasteland, both entirely designed in Blender. These sims are fascinating works that captivate visitors with their attention to detail and creative design. Their work is a true highlight in Pangea, and we are very grateful to have them as part of our community.

Adriana Darkheart is also an essential part of our community. Her skills as an event organizer are impressive—she regularly plans and leads live events that engage our residents and keep Pangea lively. Adriana has a unique ability to create events that are not only entertaining but also creatively inspiring. Her sim designs are equally captivating: Bourbon Beach and GypsyCamp are among the standout creations in Pangea. These sims, rich in detail, invite exploration and reflect Adriana’s love for design and her talent for creating atmospheric environments. Her work enhances our community on many levels, from interactive experiences to the beauty of her worlds.

Adriana Darkheart on the GoKartBahn region,
part of Pangea's celebration event

Marlon Wayne:  Fee Edenbaum is a thoroughly creative spirit who enriches Pangea with her distinctive art projects. Her Flowerpower and Skeletal sims are true gems in our grid. Fee has a unique sense of aesthetics and excels at creating worlds with a special atmosphere, both imaginative and profound. Her Flowerpower sim radiates a colorful, peaceful vibe, while the Skeletal sims captivate with their unconventional and artistic displays. Both projects showcase Fee’s creative versatility and her boldness in bringing new and extraordinary ideas into virtual reality. Her sims are among the special places in Pangea that continuously attract and amaze visitors.

Both Adriana and Fee are not only invaluable for their artistic contributions but also for their positive and supportive attitudes within the community. They play a crucial role in making Pangea a place filled with creativity, collaboration, and diversity.

Thirza Ember: It’s been 4 years for the grid now. There are many established artists and traditions here already but do you have plans for changes and new additions for the future?

Lampithaler Artist, organizer of the Festival of Art and Culture

Marlon Wayne: A well-functioning system shouldn’t be changed. I do have some projects in mind, so stay tuned—there’s more to come!

Pangea has been running for four years now, and it’s amazing to see how our grid has developed in that time. We believe in the principle that a stable and successful system should not be fundamentally altered. Stability and consistency are very important to us because they form the foundation of our community. We want our residents to continue enjoying a familiar, safe, and reliable environment.

However, that doesn’t mean we’re standing still. On the contrary, we have many exciting projects in mind, just waiting to be realized. There are countless creative ideas we plan to pursue in the coming months and years. These might involve new sims, exciting events, or other innovative possibilities that lie ahead.

Marlon Wayne:  We are always striving to develop Pangea further without changing the core of what makes our grid special. Our art and culture festivals, live music events, and other shows play a central role and will continue to provide an important platform for creativity and exchange in the future.

Of course, we will continue to fully support our existing artists and residents so they can bring their visions to life. Our focus remains on making Pangea a place where creativity, collaboration, and community are at the forefront.

The future of Pangea looks bright, and I’m excited about everything that lies ahead. We will maintain our stability while remaining open to new ideas and developments that will enhance our grid. Stay tuned—it’s going to be exciting!

Torben Asp Tribute event on Pangea, in June this year

Marlon Wayne: At this point, we would like to remember our former visitors Mimi Reich, Torben Asp, and Veritas McMaster in quiet reflection. They were not just part of our community but contributed to shaping and enriching Pangea with their creativity and dedication.

Mimi Reich was a passionate supporter who always brought positive energy to our community. Her presence and contributions will never be forgotten in Pangea.

Torben Asp, a talented musician, touched us all with his unique music. His works provided the backdrop for many of our moments, creating a special atmosphere that we will always remember.

Veritas McMaster brought creativity and spirit to many projects and was a cherished part of the community. Her ideas and efforts remain an important part of Pangea’s history.

We miss them and will always remember them with great gratitude and love.

HG Address: pangeagrid.de:8002:Koeln