TL;DR
SideQuest is set to revive Microsoft’s social VR platform AltspaceVR this fall. The move aims to reintroduce social virtual reality experiences, though official details remain limited. This development could impact the social VR landscape significantly.
SideQuest will relaunch Microsoft’s social VR platform AltspaceVR this fall, according to an announcement on r/Vive. This move signals an effort to bring back the social virtual reality experience that was shut down by Microsoft in early 2023, aiming to reconnect users and revive community features.
According to a post on r/Vive, SideQuest plans to revive AltspaceVR later this year, although specific launch dates and details remain unconfirmed. The platform was previously operated by Microsoft, which announced its closure in early 2023, citing strategic shifts away from social VR. SideQuest, known for supporting VR content and community projects, expressed interest in restoring AltspaceVR’s social spaces and features.
While official statements from Microsoft or SideQuest are pending, the announcement has generated significant interest within the VR community. The revival aims to reestablish a popular social hub for VR users, offering virtual events, meetups, and community interactions that have been absent since the shutdown.
It is not yet clear whether the revived platform will retain all previous features or introduce new ones, nor whether it will be available on all VR headsets or limited to specific devices. The project appears to be in early development stages, with more details expected in the coming months.
The revival of AltspaceVR by SideQuest could significantly influence the social VR landscape, restoring a widely used platform that fostered virtual community engagement. This move may encourage more social interactions within VR, especially as the industry seeks to recover from the platform’s previous shutdown. For users, it offers hope for renewed social spaces and events, which are vital for community building in virtual environments.
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Background of AltspaceVR and Its Closure
Microsoft acquired AltspaceVR in 2017, turning it into one of the leading social VR platforms with features like live events, meetups, and community spaces. In early 2023, Microsoft announced the shutdown of AltspaceVR, citing a strategic shift away from social VR services. This decision left many users and communities without a dedicated social space in VR, prompting interest from third-party groups like SideQuest to revive it.
Prior to its closure, AltspaceVR was available on multiple VR headsets, including Oculus and HTC Vive, and hosted numerous virtual events with thousands of participants. Its shutdown was met with disappointment from the VR community, which viewed it as a loss of a key social platform.
“SideQuest is working on bringing AltspaceVR back this fall. It’s exciting to see the community effort to restore this social hub.”
— an anonymous user on r/Vive
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Details Still Unclear About Revival Scope
It is not yet confirmed whether the revived AltspaceVR will include all previous features, support all VR headsets, or introduce new functionalities. Official statements from Microsoft or SideQuest are pending, and the exact launch date remains unannounced. The future of the platform’s user base and community features also remains uncertain until more information is released.
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Expected Timeline for Official Announcement and Launch Details
SideQuest is expected to provide more details about the AltspaceVR revival later this summer, including specific launch dates and platform support. The VR community will be watching closely for official updates, which will clarify the scope of the project and its availability. Further developments are anticipated as the project progresses toward the fall release.
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Key Questions
Will AltspaceVR be available on all VR headsets?
It is currently unclear whether the revived platform will support all existing VR headsets or be limited to specific devices. More details are expected in upcoming announcements.
What features will the revived AltspaceVR include?
Details about the platform’s features post-revival are still unconfirmed. It is uncertain if all previous functionalities will be retained or if new ones will be added.
Why did Microsoft shut down AltspaceVR initially?
Microsoft cited a strategic shift away from social VR services as the reason for shutting down AltspaceVR in early 2023.
Will existing AltspaceVR users be able to access the revived platform?
This has not been confirmed. It remains to be seen whether user accounts and community data will transfer to the new version.
What is the significance of SideQuest’s involvement?
SideQuest’s support indicates a community-driven effort to revive the platform, which could influence its development and adoption within the VR community.
Source: r/Vive
