| We have some sad news to share, Altspacers. Our run in the sun is coming to an end. AltspaceVR is shutting down on Friday, March 10, 2023. This decision has not been an easy one and this announcement comes with the heaviest of hearts. BUT, we also feel so much gratitude for this amazing adventure so… THANK YOU. 🙏🏼 When we first launched back in 2013, the commercial virtual reality market was in its infancy. Only the earliest of adopters owned a VR headset, and they mostly used them for immersive gaming. We knew virtual reality could be a fun place for games, but more importantly, we saw the power and potential of social VR to build community and bring a lot of humanity to the technology. So, we dove in, hearts first. 💗 We set out to create a place where people from across the globe could connect and socialize at live events, in real time. We developed (and integrated) technology to help foster a true sense of presence: expressive avatars, spatial sound, immersive environments. We wanted people to feel like they were together, even when oceans apart. Further, we wanted to empower users with tools and templates to easily host their own gatherings and build their own worlds. It was a bold vision, and with the help of a very passionate community of creators, world builders, developers, artists, educators, users — and Microsoft — we achieved this dream. Over the past decade, our platform has played host to an astonishing array of virtual events and experiences: group meditations, LGBTQ+ meetups, faith-based gatherings, open mics, stand-up comedy, karaoke, concerts, and so much more. It has provided a space for people to explore their identities, express themselves, and find community. It has unlocked passions among users, provided incredible educational opportunities and pathways to personal growth, and inspired many to create unique and wonderful events, experiences, art, and Worlds. People have formed cherished friendships, found love, and even married IRL. It has been a pleasure and privilege to witness. 🥰 THANK YOU to all the Creators who have used AltspaceVR to bring a delightful new dimension to the world, and for all of you who have contributed time and talents, hearts and souls to this groundbreaking journey. Though it’s sad to say goodbye, we are heartened by the absolute magic that happened here. ✨ We also take a lot of pride in knowing that what we’ve all co-created here will help inform our shift in focus to Microsoft Mesh, a platform that offers the widest opportunity to all involved, including creators, partners, and customers. To learn more about what’s next for Microsoft Mesh, visit Mesh.com and sign up for the latest updates here. FINALLY, just because we’re riding off into the sunset, doesn’t mean your friendships and communities need to come to an end. We hope you will connect with your people and find out the best way to stay in touch after we’re gone. We will continue shining a light on community events (and goodbye parties!) in weekly newsletters, on social media, and in-app until our sunset date. Speaking of, please download your photos and available content before March 10, 2023. For more information on how to bulk download pics and content, please visit this link. Thanks again for all the magic and memories. We are so very grateful for you. 🙏🏼 Team AltspaceVR |
