TL;DR
SideQuest has announced it is reviving Microsoft’s social VR platform AltspaceVR, acquiring its rights and assembling former staff. The new version aims to restore core features and attract both OG users and new audiences, filling a social VR gap.
SideQuest has announced the re-launch of Microsoft’s social VR platform AltspaceVR, acquiring its rights and planning a new version aimed at modern audiences. This development marks a significant effort to revive a pioneering social VR space that was shut down by Microsoft in early 2023, highlighting renewed interest in community-driven virtual environments.
In a Reddit post, Shane Harris, CEO of SideQuest, confirmed that the company has obtained the rights to the AltspaceVR name and is working on a new platform that will feature many of the core features from its 2016-2017 version. Harris stated that the relaunch will include a team of former Altspace staff and influential early users, aiming to preserve the platform’s original social and event-focused experience.
Among the returning staff is Christian Boe, the original concept designer responsible for Altspace’s robots, indicating that the new Altspace will incorporate robot avatars alongside customizable ones. Harris emphasized that the platform will be a “spiritual successor,” capturing what made Altspace popular and relevant in its prime, with regular updates expected in the coming weeks and months.
Microsoft shut down AltspaceVR in 2023 to focus on its cloud-based mixed reality collaboration platform, Microsoft Mesh, which itself was deprecated in 2025 and integrated into Microsoft Teams. The decision left a gap in social VR, especially for users seeking a less corporate environment than Mesh or Teams. SideQuest’s revival aims to fill this void, targeting both former users and new audiences looking for social VR experiences outside of platforms like VRChat or Rec Room.
The revival of AltspaceVR by SideQuest is significant because it restores a historically important social VR platform that was shut down due to corporate restructuring. By reintroducing core features and involving original staff, this effort could rejuvenate community-driven social spaces in VR, offering an alternative to existing platforms like VRChat and Rec Room. It also signals a renewed interest in social VR experiences that prioritize community and events, which are increasingly relevant as VR adoption grows.
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Background of AltspaceVR and Its Closure
AltspaceVR was launched in 2015 as one of the first successful social VR platforms, available across PC VR headsets, Samsung Gear VR, Oculus Go, Quest, and Quest 2. It gained popularity for hosting live events, meetups, and social gatherings. Microsoft acquired it in 2017, but in early 2023, the company announced its shutdown to redirect resources toward Microsoft Mesh, a mixed reality platform aimed at enterprise collaboration. Mesh was deprecated in 2025, and Altspace’s community and features gradually faded, leaving a gap in social VR options for casual users and enthusiasts.
Since then, there has been ongoing interest among the community and developers in reviving Altspace or creating similar platforms that prioritize social interaction, community events, and user-generated content. SideQuest’s acquisition and planned relaunch represent a notable development in this context, aiming to preserve and evolve the original vision of AltspaceVR.
“We’ve acquired the rights to AltspaceVR and are committed to building a new version that captures what made it great, with input from original staff and the community.”
— Shane Harris, SideQuest CEO
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Unclear Details About the New Platform’s Features
While SideQuest has announced plans to bring back many core features, specific details about the platform’s final design, monetization models, and content moderation are still emerging. It is not yet confirmed how closely the new Altspace will resemble its original in terms of user interface, avatar customization, or event hosting capabilities. The success of the relaunch will depend on how well these features are implemented and how the platform attracts both former and new users.
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Upcoming Updates and Community Engagement
SideQuest has indicated it will provide regular updates on development progress and involve the community in shaping the new AltspaceVR. The company plans to host beta tests, gather user feedback, and potentially introduce new features aimed at boosting engagement. The platform’s re-launch is expected to occur within the next few months, with a focus on rebuilding its user base through events, partnerships, and community outreach.
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Key Questions
Will AltspaceVR be free to use again?
While specific details are not yet confirmed, previous versions of AltspaceVR were free, and it is likely the new platform will follow a similar model, possibly with optional paid features or content.
What features will the new AltspaceVR include?
Confirmed features include core social and event functions from the original platform, with plans to incorporate robot avatars and customizable options. Exact details about additional features are still being developed.
How does this revival compare to other social VR platforms?
Unlike VRChat, which emphasizes avatar customization and user-generated content, AltspaceVR has historically focused on organized events and community gatherings. The re-launch aims to restore this focus, appealing to users seeking a more structured social space.
Will existing AltspaceVR users be able to migrate their accounts?
This detail has not been confirmed. It is unclear whether the new platform will support account migration or require new registrations.
When will the new AltspaceVR be available?
SideQuest has not announced an exact release date but indicates that the platform will be re-launched in the coming months, with updates and beta testing opportunities beforehand.
Source: Road to VR
