2003 was the year when Gaia Online was created. Founded on February 18, 2003 by Derek Liu (username Lanzer), Josh Gainsbrugh (username L0cke), Long Vo (username VO) Ling and a team of their friends, Studio XD artists, and programmers/web designers.

Since its creation Gaia Online has grown to be more than just a single forum site, it now holds a variety of items, a unique Avatar dress system and its own storyline starring many Characters. Though the site continues to revolve around its forum, avatars, and in-game currency, it has expanded to include features such as games (slots, cards, and fishing), virtual worlds such as Gaia Towns with homes; a Marketplace, a virtual aquarium, a Cash Shop, a cinema and its most present creation, the zOMG! MMO, which was headed by game developer David Georgeson (username Qixter).

Trivia & External LinksEdit

• The 2003 banner clearly shows that Gaia was influenced by the popular MMORPG Ragnarok Online.
• From 2003 and 2004, the site heavily focused on the Japanese media of Anime and Manga, the Link List was provided for Gaians to search for various anime sites.
• The year of 2003 started the theme of Angelic and Nitemare styled items. This has continued in various other forms by color opposites and a theme of conflicting opposites.
• In the banner is the "White Wolf Girl", her design was used for the Black Wolf Monthly Collectible in July 2009.
• Also in the banner (and in the lower corner) is a small hamster creature called "Moobie", its design was used for the creation of the Hammi Hat Monthly Collectible in April 2004. The story behind Moobie's presence on the homepage was said to be a tribute to the deceased pet of one of Gaia creators. _{(note unconfirmed)}
• Below the banner is the ever present Rock Puppy, a rock creature with unknown origins; he is considered Gaia's Mascot.
• Wikipedia: Gaia Online
• Memorable Threads: Gaia's First Year Memory Timeline
• Featured Announcements: Timetravel (2003)

Events in 2003Edit