The social VR community was shocked and devastated to learn that AltspaceVR was shutting down. Emerging technology applications come and go, but few users remain and many shed tears, but this platform seems to have been stolen from us in the prime of life. , many are wondering where to go next.
The sun sets in AltspaceVR
On January 20th, “AltspaceVR Deprecating Platform March 10, 2023” appeared at the top of the company’s website. An email was also sent to the user.
“When AltspaceVR first launched, our vision was to create a place where people around the world could connect and interact in real time.” the team wrote. “It’s a bold vision, and with the help of our passionate community, this platform will enable users to create lifelong memories, build cherished friendships, find love, and even get married in real life.” It’s become a place.”
Many of the posts are nostalgic for the platform that launched in 2015 and was acquired by Microsoft in 2017. This post is to “Hold the final event to the many creators and developers who are part of the AltspaceVR community, Download content“
“This was not an easy decision as it is a platform that many have come to love and provides a place for people to explore their identity, express themselves and find community.” I wrote a team “We are honored to help unleash the passion among our users.”
Why Microsoft? why?
The team wrote that AltspaceVR will be shutting down to “shift its focus to supporting immersive experiences with Microsoft Mesh.” microsoft mesh is the company’s mixed reality platform announced from within AltspaceVR. Microsoft Ignite 2021The event, featuring Alex Kipman and James Cameron, saw platforms as tools for humanity.
“A dream you dream alone is just a dream. A dream you dream together is called reality.” Kipman quoted John Lennon at the time. “We tend to think of reality and dreams separately. But is it?”
Since then, Microsoft has focused on Mesh as an enterprise tool rather than a collaboration dream-making tool.so Microsoft Ignite 2022, CEO Satya Nadella, announced that Mesh will be integrated with Microsoft Teams. Nadella also gave a presentation on the integration of Microsoft Teams (possibly including Mesh) with Meta’s Horizon Workrooms. Metaconnect 2022.
“We knew early on that this was the perfect place to get the job done. Together with Microsoft, we can make it happen.” Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said at the event:
what about us?
Shutting down AltspaceVR to focus on an enterprise platform is an odd play, given that AltspaceVR was virtually never used for enterprise use by anyone using it. The always-packed schedule of events included comedy shows, community events, support groups and spiritual meetings, and musical performances. where are they going?
Some of AltspaceVR’s most well-known events have already taken place on multiple immersive platforms.For example, a live VR comedy show Rendering failedr Started in AltspaceVR, but also home horizon world When VR chatSimilarly, Police Award It takes place in AltspaceVR, Mozilla Hub, engagedothers.
But what about experiences that can only be experienced with AltspaceVR? BRCvr’s Burning Man ExperienceAn email from the organization says they have plans for future events on another platform, but are graciously waiting for the book to end for good with this chapter.
“Leaving AltspaceVR is a tough one for all of us who have loved building this amazing community.” BRCvr co-founder Athena Demos said in an email: “Before we announce where we will continue our virtual Burning Man experience, we would like to salute the incredible friendships and creative partnerships we have forged at AltspaceVR.”
Kavya Perlman CEO XR Safety Initiative – Hosting events such as metaverse safety weekyears on the platform – said in a tweet that it is in talks with the group’s tech partners about moving to other platforms.
yeah that’s pretty sad news..just talked @Chicken Waffle VR About moving @MetaSafetyWeek to an alternative platform.
Why @ Microsoft bought @AltspaceVR To begin with, if it was just for sunset later.
Sorry to the team and everyone affected.
— Kavya Pearlman (@KavyaPearlman) January 20, 2023
King is dead. Long live the king.
AltspaceVR had no enemies, but many competitors. When the blog post’s tribute went public on his Twitter, many immersive platform representatives spoke out shortly afterwards.
Alto Spacers, I have some sad news. #AltspaceVR We will be closed on March 10th.
I hate to say goodbye, but I feel proud and grateful for all the magic that happened here.
Thank you for participating in this epic adventure. #socialvr https://t.co/peCwpaaBl3
— AltspaceVR (@AltspaceVR) January 20, 2023
There was no groan in the graveyard, somnium space, SpatialWhen Mona We invited builders from the evacuated world to bring their events and spaces with them. This might be an event or asset option, but it’s not a meaningful option for the user.
As mentioned in the blog post, users can download data from the platform. However, there isn’t much you can do with it. Photos taken within the platform can be treasured, but avatars cannot be transferred. Profiles of users you meet on the platform It is possible to download her data, but it is unlikely that you will connect with those users on other platforms.
And what could those platforms look like? Where shall we meet next? Some solutions are already named.
where are we going
VRChat is a proven and robust platform, but it’s not always friendly to new users, especially when it comes to creating avatars. It has more tools and options than AltspaceVR, but can feel unwieldy. Somnium Space is a similar category.
Spatial is a strong contender. A lightweight, easy-to-use platform that runs in your browser. This is another powerful bonus.integration with Ready Player Me It also means it’s easy to create an avatar, and even easier to carry around if you already have one. Same with Mona.
Mozilla Hubs has done a lot of work, but they charge. The new $20/month subscription price keeps many casual users from signing on.
ENGAGE is a solid free option, but requires an app download. The same applies to Horizon. Especially if Meta has delivered on its promise to make the platform available on hardware other than the Meta headset.
VIVE also builds immersive products, but these tend to be more cumbersome than many users would like. bilbera It also requires a free app download, but proves to be a capable, robust and easy-to-use platform.
end of an era
This was the first immersive world I entered. The fact that you don’t need a headset to enter the free and easy-to-use platform made it a unique introduction to VR.
I have many fond memories of this platform, from before and after I got my first headset, to the feeling of making eye contact with someone across the country for the first time. Even after working in the industry for years, I still found myself wearing a headset just to shoot hoops outside my VR home. Miss AltspaceVR.
