AltspaceVR Aims to Democratize Virtual Reality Like the Web
Virtual reality (VR) is no longer just for gaming—it’s evolving into a social platform where people connect, create, and collaborate. Leading this transformation is AltspaceVR, a pioneering social VR platform founded in 2013 by Eric Romo and his team. Their mission? To make VR as ubiquitous and accessible as the web.
The Vision Behind AltspaceVR
AltspaceVR is redefining how people interact in virtual spaces. From virtual parties with hundreds of attendees to interactive experiences like boxing gyms and climbing simulations, the platform blends social engagement with immersive technology. With over 40 employees and $16 million in funding, AltspaceVR is expanding rapidly, now serving users in 150 countries.
Bridging the Web and VR
At its core, AltspaceVR merges web technology with game-engine capabilities. Built on Unity and integrating Chromium, the platform allows developers to create VR experiences using A-Frame, a markup language similar to HTML. This approach enables:
- Cross-platform compatibility (Rift, Vive, Gear VR, Daydream)
- Real-time rendering like a game engine
- Web-like accessibility for developers
“We’re trying to create the best of both worlds in the VR web experience,” says Romo.
What Makes AltspaceVR Unique?
Social VR Experiences
AltspaceVR isn’t just about passive viewing—it’s about interaction. Users can:
- Attend live events (e.g., comedy shows, political discussions)
- Play games like card tables or climbing challenges
- Explore user-generated spaces (e.g., virtual “dollhouses”)
Developer-Friendly Tools
The platform’s SDK empowers creators to build once and deploy across all major VR devices. This eliminates the hassle of platform-specific development, making VR content creation more scalable.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Competing with Tech Giants
While Facebook and others invest heavily in VR, AltspaceVR focuses on open standards like WebVR and A-Frame. Romo believes standalone headsets (e.g., Oculus Santa Cruz, Intel Alloy) will drive mass adoption by simplifying setup and reducing costs.
Monetization Strategy
Currently, AltspaceVR prioritizes user engagement over revenue. With events attracting thousands of participants (some spending over an hour in VR), the groundwork is being laid for future monetization models.
The Road Ahead
AltspaceVR’s vision extends beyond gaming—it’s about creating a VR-powered web where social interactions, education, and entertainment thrive. As Romo puts it:
“Just as the web evolved from documents to videos, VR is the next layer.”
With innovation accelerating, AltspaceVR is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of immersive social experiences.
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