Virtual platforms have come a long way in recent years, and advancements in technology have certainly helped to pave the way for even better immersive experiences. Virtual platforms are not only convenient and cost-effective but also highly customizable and engaging. In the metaverse, individuals can engage with communities, attend virtual events, and create a personal brand that reflects their values and interests. From a B2B perspective, brands are leveraging avatars and the metaverse to create unique and immersive experiences for their employees and customers, building a lasting connection and promoting brand loyalty. As virtual platforms evolve, the metaverse will become increasingly important for individuals and brands.
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Altspace Shutdown
Unfortunately for many metaverse explorers, AltspaceVR announced that it will be shutting down its platform in March 2023. This news impacts many users, event organizers, and companies alike that have been using it as a platform for their events and meetings, leaving many people scattered and searching for a new virtual space to continue their virtual activities. But as the old saying goes: when one door closes, another opens!
Alternative to Altspace: Virtway
In light of this news, AltspaceVR event organizers are evaluating different options for hosting their virtual events. So, where should they go next? Virtway is the perfect alternative for events of any size. With its wide range of features, ease of use, performance, and flexibility, Virtway offers event organizers the tools they need to create truly engaging and immersive virtual experiences for their attendees. Its ability to support up to 2400 attendees in the same virtual world and up to 1000 in the same scene, makes it an ideal choice for hosting virtual events for any number of attendees. Additionally, its easy-to-use editor allows event organizers to release their creativity and build out a truly seamless and immersive experience for their community.
Virtway vs Altspace
Features
Both Virtway and Altspace allow users to create and host virtual events, but Virtway offers a wider range of features. For example, Virtway allows users to create diverse avatars (male, female and non-binary), customize their virtual environments (either on top of base scenes, import already created scenes, or build from scratch with our creative team), and even create their own games and activities. Altspace, on the other hand, is more limited in terms of customization options.
Virtway’s virtual 3D event space provides life-like solutions for online & hybrid experiences with a highly personalized and interactive platform of brandable scenes and customizable avatars. Communication is carried out via 3D spatial audio that connects and engages every participant. Users speak up and show up in a highly functional fashion by interacting and communicating in real time together with enterprise-ready functionalities. These engagement methods deliver a fully immersive experience by bringing users INTO the event as participants rather than sitting on the outside simply observing from their screen.
The platform includes top-of-the-line gamification features, engaging activities, and fun special effects which create an entertaining metaverse experience for all.
Event organizers have access to an in-app 3D editor that’s as easy as drag and drop as well as post-event metrics to analyze user participation data.
Accessibility
Another advantage of Virtway is that it is more accessible to users. Event attendees can enter on any device (mobile phones, tablets, PC, MAC) and also have the option to enter via browser without needing to download any software. The platform is user-friendly for all although not yet available on VR headsets.
For Altspace users to enter a world, they had to first download templates. Virtway requires zero downloading in the virtual world and the scenes quickly load in real time. Users never have to stare at a loading screen and can immediately move, speak and start interacting with the environment they enter.
Performance
In terms of performance, Virtway also has the upper hand. The platform is built on cutting-edge technology, meaning it can handle large numbers of users (up to 2400 in the same world and 1000 in the same scene) on all devices while simultaneously providing a smooth and seamless experience. Altspace, on the other hand, has been known to experience lag and other performance issues, particularly when hosting larger events. Not to mention that their scene limit was for only 50 users.
Virtway Tech renders on devices with the most efficient CPU & RAM usage in the market.
Scalability
As previously mentioned, one of the key advantages of Virtway as a virtual event platform is its ability to handle large numbers of participants. The platform is built on state-of-the-art technology, which allows it to support up to 1000 in the same scene. This makes it an ideal choice for hosting large-scale virtual events (or events of any size at that!). Any type of event is possible! From small meetings to large conferences, community gatherings or training sessions, trade shows and expos, product launches or even live concerts. The Virtway platform will meet and exceed your goals for whatever type of virtual event you want to host.
Flexibility
Lastly, Virtway offers more flexibility for event organizers. The platform allows for easy integration with other tools and platforms which means that event organizers can create a truly seamless and immersive experience for their attendees. AltspaceVR, meanwhile, is a semi-closed platform, which gives event organizers less flexibility and customization options.
In conclusion, while both Virtway and Altspace are great options for hosting virtual events, we believe that Virtway is the best space for Altspace VR users to migrate and continue their activities and events… with even more pizzaz and immersion! With its wide range of features, ease of use, performance, and flexibility, Virtway offers event organizers the tools they need to create truly engaging and fun virtual experiences for their attendees.