VRChat

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VRChat is an online virtual world platform created by Graham Gaylor and Jesse Joudrey[1] and operated by VRChat, Inc. The platform allows users to interact with others with user-created 3D avatars and worlds. VRChat is designed primarily for use with virtual reality headsets, being available for Microsoft Windows PCs and as a native app for Android-based headsets such as Meta Quest, Pico 4, and HTC Vive XR Elite. It is also usable without VR in a "desktop" mode designed for either a mouse and keyboard or gamepad and in an Android app for touchscreen devices.

VRChat was first released as a Windows application for the Oculus Rift DK1 prototype on January 16, 2014, and was later released to the Steam early access program on February 1, 2017.

Features

VRChat's gameplay is focused on social interaction in community-made environments, [2] The game is made up of thousands of connected worlds,[3] in which users can interact with each other through virtual avatars.[2] Avatars and worlds are created and uploaded by their users[3] using a software development kit for Unity released alongside the game.[2] User avatars are capable of supporting lip-syncing, eye tracking, and blinking, in addition to mimicking head and hand motion.[4][2] Trends and variations of avatars spread through the community like memes, and avatars themselves are often distributed for free, or sold through online marketplaces such as Gumroad and Booth.[3]

VRChat is also capable of running in "desktop mode" without a VR headset, which is controlled using either a mouse and keyboard or a gamepad. Some limitations exist in desktop mode, such as the inability to freely move an avatar's limbs,[5] or perform interactions that require more than one hand.

In 2018[6][7], VRChat introduced Udon, a visual programming language that uses a node graph system. While still considered alpha software, it became usable on publicly-accessible worlds beginning in April 2020.[8] A third-party compiler, UdonSharp, was developed to allow world scripts to be written in C#.[9]

In 2022, support for the Open Sound Control (OSC) protocol was added for more advanced interactions with external software and devices.[10] Later in the year, VRChat began to implement a secondary application—"Creator Companion"—for managing Unity IDE installations, projects, and downloading community packages using a Unity Package Manager (UPM)-compatible format.[11] The previous VRChat SDK2 was deprecated in February 2023, with the Udon-based SDK 3.x becoming mandatory for all future content.[12]

Trust ranks

Users of VRChat are classified into various trust levels, based on factors such as the time they spend on the platform, and received outgoing friend requests. All users begin at the "Visitor" rank (grey). When promoted to "New User" (blue) rank, they are given the ability to upload their own content using the VRChat SDK. This is followed by "User" (green), "Known User" (orange), "Trusted User" (purple), and friends (yellow). Users can choose to toggle communications, avatars, and avatar features based on their trust level. Additionally, users can gain a "Nuisance" rank (grey) after gaining too many infractions, such as being muted and having all communications, avatars, and avatar features blocked.[13] It is important to note however that trust is not necessarily indicative of a user's attitude or reputation on the platform, but merely a representation of how much time they have spent and contributions made (in the form of avatar and world creation).[Citation Needed] (Other roles have existed for specific users in the past, but have since been revoked and removed for unknown reasons.)

VRChat+

In November 2020, the service announced the VRChat+ subscription service. On launch, it allows users to display a custom avatar image on their nameplates, increases the number of avatars they can save in their favorites from 50 to 300, grants them an "increased trust rating", and allows them to attach an in-game photo to an invite request. Other exclusive features for subscribers are also in development.[14][15][16]

Groups

In November 2022, the service began to deploy a Groups feature, which allows VRChat+ subscribers to create social groups on the platform. Groups can also host their own world instances for organized gatherings and events.[17]

Creator Economy

In May 2023, VRChat announced that it would add a new monetization system known as the Creator Economy. Initially, this allows eligible groups to offer subscriptions (via a paid digital currency known as "VRChat Credits") that can, in turn, allow access to exclusive features in worlds (such as, for instance, VIP rooms) for supporters. 50% of revenue from subscriptions goes to the group owner.[18][19][20]

Hardware support

VRChat has extensive support for a large number of PC-compatible VR headsets and accessories, including Oculus Rift, Meta Quest (via Quest Link), and SteamVR-compatible headsets (such as HTC Vive and Valve Index). VRChat is also available as a native app for Android-based standalone headsets, including Meta Quest, Pico 4,[21] and HTC Vive XR Elite.[22] These clients support cross-platform play with PC users; due to hardware limitations, only worlds and avatars compiled for Android and optimized within specific constraints can be accessed on the Android version. In January 2024, VRChat began to offer automatically generated fallback versions of avatars.[23][24]

In March 2023, it was announced that versions of VRChat were in development for Android and iOS smartphones.[25] The Android version was initially released in closed alpha for VRChat+ subscribers on August 18, 2023, and is compatible with content built for Android-based headsets.[26]

Finger tracking and gesture recognition are supported on controllers such as the Index Controller and Oculus Touch, allowing users' finger movements to be reflected by their avatar, and hand poses to trigger linked animations (such as a corresponding facial expression).[27][28] VRChat also supports SteamVR full-body tracking for motion capture of waist and leg motions, typically by using HTC's Vive Tracker peripherals or alternative devices (such as Kinect, or Virtual Desktop on Quest).[29][30][31] The Vive XR Elite version supports the Vive Ultimate Tracker accessory.[22]

Community

VRChat's popularity has been attributed to its use by YouTubers and Twitch streamers.[2] VRChat has spawned media such as a weekly newspaper in its forums, and talk shows and podcasts dedicated to a discussion of the game.[2] After an initial wave of viral popularity upon its release, the platform saw a steady increase in concurrent users with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and direct quarantine policies. There were recorded spikes in viewership of VRChat-related Twitch streams in mid-2020 and September 2020.[32] The service reported a record of over 24,000 concurrent users over the Halloween weekend (with over half using it on a VR platform), spurred by holiday events and the recent release of the Oculus Quest 2.[32] On December 31, 2020, the service recorded a new record of over 40,000 concurrent users for New Year's Eve, to the point that it experienced a major outage around midnight in the Eastern Time Zone due to a security provider having mistaken the surge as a denial-of-service attack.[33]

Assets such as avatars and related content are often sold on online marketplaces such as Gumroad and Booth.[34] The Japanese company Hikky has organized a series of events on VRChat known as "Virtual Market" ("Vket"), a virtual convention focused on the sale of digital assets by members of the VRChat community; the event has also attracted virtual booths and sponsor presences by companies such as Bandai Namco, Disney, East Japan Railway Company, and HP.[35][36]

The platform has a notable community of transgender users, as the use of avatars has allowed individuals to discover and portray an expression of themselves that suits their gender identity, especially if they live in regions where the transgender community faces prejudice. VRC Trans Academy—a support group for transgender users on VRChat—had over 22,000 members as of March 2024.[34]

Music and dance

The platform has attracted various music-oriented communities and events; dancers have leveraged full-body tracking support to give virtual performances and classes within VRChat, including ballet, breaking, and pole dance.[37]

Online dance music events have also occurred[38] on VRChat, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. They are organized by collectives, take place within virtual nightclubs, and sometimes simulcast on live-streaming platforms such as Twitch.[39][40] In partnership with the VRChat-based electronic music festival SlyFest, British drum and bass producer Muzz organized a virtual concert tour consisting of headlining appearances at multiple VRChat events in 2021, including support from other producers such as Feint, Mollie Collins, and Teddy Killerz.[41]

In June 2020, French electronic musician Jean-Michel Jarre presented a virtual concert experience in VRChat, "Alone Together".[42] On December 31, 2020, Jarre presented a second virtual concert for New Year's Eve, "Welcome to the Other Side", which was broadcast across other radio, television, and online platforms from outside of the Notre Dame cathedral, and featured an interactive companion experience on VRChat, taking place in a world recreating its interior.[43]

External links

References

  1. ↑ VRChat enters the creator economy. (2023, May 23). Tubefilter. Retrieved September 12, 2023, from https://www.tubefilter.com/2023/05/23/vrchat-creator-monetization/
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Alexander, J. (2017, December 22). VRChat is a bizarre phenomenon that has Twitch, YouTube obsessed. Polygon. Retrieved January 9, 2018, from https://www.polygon.com/2017/12/22/16805452/vrchat-steam-vive-oculus-twitch-youtube
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Getting Dressed for the Metaverse. (2022, August 9). Esquire. Retrieved August 11, 2022, from https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/a40803280/metaverse-fashion/
  4. ↑ Forrest, D. (2017, February 1). 'VRChat' Is A Social Platform, A Dev Sandbox, And A Step In The Right Direction. Tom's Hardware. Retrieved January 14, 2018, from http://www.tomshardware.com/news/vrchat-oculus-rift-htc-vive,33557.html
  5. ↑ Jecks, C. (2018, January 8). VRChat: Do You Need a VR Headset to Play? Twinfinite. Retrieved February 23, 2018, from http://twinfinite.net/2018/01/vrchat-need-vr-headset/
  6. ↑ 'VRChat “Node Graph”, Playmaker, and Soon™' on Medium; retrieved September 12, 2024
  7. ↑ 'VRChat Developer Update #4' on YouTube; retrieved September 12, 2024
  8. ↑ Tupper, (2020, April 1). Introducing VRChat Udon: Unlocking Coding for Creators. VRChat. Retrieved December 1, 2021, from https://medium.com/vrchat/introducing-vrchat-udon-unlocking-coding-for-creators-ce411a6390d1
  9. ↑ VRChat向け自動更新ポスターまとめの使い方. (2021, September 6). PANORA. Retrieved December 1, 2021, from https://panora.tokyo/archives/33123
  10. ↑ Taylor, M. (2022, July 26). VRChat is being review bombed to hell and back after anti-cheat announcement. PC Gamer. Retrieved July 27, 2022, from https://www.pcgamer.com/vrchat-is-being-review-bombed-to-hell-and-back-after-anti-cheat-announcement/
  11. ↑ The VRChat Creator Companion is Now Live!. (2023, May 30). VRChat. Retrieved May 30, 2023, from https://hello.vrchat.com/blog/creator-companion-live
  12. ↑ Choosing your SDK. (2023, May 30). VRChat. Retrieved May 30, 2023, from https://docs.vrchat.com/docs/choosing-your-sdk
  13. ↑ VRChat Safety and Trust System. (2021, January 3). VRChat. Retrieved April 22, 2021, from https://docs.vrchat.com/docs/vrchat-safety-and-trust-system
  14. ↑ Hayden, S. (2020, December 7). 'VRChat' Launches Premium Membership, Now in 'Early Supporter' Phase on Steam. Road to VR. Retrieved January 3, 2021, from https://www.roadtovr.com/vrchat-plus-membership-early-supporter/
  15. ↑ Baker, H. (2020, December 4). VRChat Plus, Paid Subscription Option, Now Available On Steam. UploadVR. Retrieved January 3, 2021, from https://uploadvr.com/vrchat-plus-subscription-steam/
  16. ↑ VRChat 2021.1.2. (2021, February 2). VRChat. Retrieved May 8, 2021, from https://docs.vrchat.com/docs/vrchat-202112
  17. ↑ Groups is Now Live!. (2024, March 30). VRChat. Retrieved March 30, 2024, from https://hello.vrchat.com/blog/vrchat-groups
  18. ↑ VRChat enters the creator economy. (2023, May 23). Tubefilter. Retrieved March 30, 2024, from https://www.tubefilter.com/2023/05/23/vrchat-creator-monetization/
  19. ↑ VRChat Paid Creator Subscriptions Enter Full Release. (2023, December 6). UploadVR. Retrieved March 30, 2024, from https://www.uploadvr.com/vr-chat-creators-paid-subscriptions/
  20. ↑ Paid Subscriptions: Now in Open Beta!. (2024, March 30). VRChat. Retrieved March 30, 2024, from https://hello.vrchat.com/blog/paid-subscriptions-beta
  21. ↑ VRChat Is Now Available On Pico 4. (2023, November 9). UploadVR. Retrieved March 30, 2024, from https://www.uploadvr.com/vrchat-pico-4/
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 VRChat Now On Vive XR Elite, With Body Tracking Support. (2023, December 2). UploadVR. Retrieved March 30, 2024, from https://www.uploadvr.com/vrchat-vive-xr-elite-body-tracking-vive-ultimate-trackers/
  23. ↑ VRChat Now Automatically Generates Mobile Avatar Versions. (2024, January 10). UploadVR. Retrieved March 30, 2024, from https://www.uploadvr.com/vrchat-avtar-impostors-mobile-version/
  24. ↑ Here's How VRChat Will Work On Oculus Quest. (2019, April 11). UploadVR. Retrieved January 3, 2021, from https://uploadvr.com/vrchat-quest-limitations-details/
  25. ↑ Hayden, S. (2023, March 31). 'VRChat' Flatscreen Version Now in Development for Android and iOS. Road to VR. Retrieved May 30, 2023, from https://www.roadtovr.com/vrchat-version-android-ios-release/
  26. ↑ VRChat Mobile Alpha Now Available On Android. (2023, August 18). UploadVR. Retrieved August 27, 2023, from https://www.uploadvr.com/vrchat-mobile-alpha-now-available-on/
  27. ↑ Oculus Touch. (2021, January 3). VRChat. Retrieved November 12, 2020, from https://docs.vrchat.com/docs/touch
  28. ↑ Valve Index Controllers. (2021, January 3). VRChat. Retrieved February 20, 2021, from https://docs.vrchat.com/docs/valve-index
  29. ↑ Virtual Desktop On Quest 3 Can Now Emulate Vive Trackers. (2024, March 14). UploadVR. Retrieved March 30, 2024, from https://www.uploadvr.com/virtual-desktop-quest-3-inside-out-body-tracking-vive-tracker-emulation/
  30. ↑ Moss, G. (2018, November 30). VRChat's Full-Body Tracking Attracts Pole Dancers, Breakdancers and More. VR Fitness Insider. Retrieved January 3, 2021, from https://www.vrfitnessinsider.com/vrchats-full-body-tracking-pole-dancers/
  31. ↑ Carbotte, K. (2017, September 16). You Can Use A Kinect For Full Body Tracking In SteamVR; Here's How. Tom's Hardware. Retrieved January 3, 2021, from https://www.tomshardware.com/news/driver4vr-kinect-full-body-vr-tracking,35476.html
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 Lang, B. (2020, November 4). Spurred by Quest 2 Launch, 'VRChat' Hits Record 24,000 Concurrent Users, More Than Half in VR. Road to VR. Retrieved January 3, 2021, from https://www.roadtovr.com/vrchat-record-concurrent-users-traffic-quest-2/
  33. ↑ Tupper. (2021, January 5). VRChat's New Years 2021 — or, what the $%@& was that?. VRChat. Retrieved January 9, 2021, from https://medium.com/vrchat/vrchats-new-years-2021-or-what-the-was-that-d84334789f77
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 Gladwin, R. S. (2024, March 29). Trans people are turning to VR as society fails them. Mashable. Retrieved March 30, 2024, from https://mashable.com/article/trans-people-are-turning-to-virtual-reality-as-society-fails-them
  35. ↑ Lang, B. (2021, November 15). Social VR Startup Raises $57 Million Investment Led by Major Japanese Mobile Network. Road to VR. Retrieved March 30, 2024, from https://www.roadtovr.com/hikky-vket-series-a-investment-ntt-docomo/
  36. ↑ Japan companies go virtual to boost real-world profits. Nikkei Asia. Retrieved March 30, 2024, from https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Startups/Japan-companies-go-virtual-to-boost-real-world-profits
  37. ↑ Moss, G. (2018, November 30). VRChat's Full-Body Tracking Attracts Pole Dancers, Breakdancers and More. VR Fitness Insider. Retrieved January 3, 2021, from https://www.vrfitnessinsider.com/vrchats-full-body-tracking-pole-dancers/
  38. ↑ I Went Clubbing in Virtual Reality: Raves of VRChat on YouTube, published by PBS Voices; retrieved September 24, 2024.
  39. ↑ Staying in to go out: exploring the VRChat club scene. (2021, May 28). NME. Retrieved October 12, 2021, from https://www.nme.com/en_asia/features/gaming-features/exploring-vrchats-underground-nightclub-scene-2951486
  40. ↑ LONER Online Pushes the Boundaries of Gaming and Night Clubbing on VRChat [Interview]. (2020, November 27). Your EDM. Retrieved October 12, 2021, from https://www.youredm.com/2020/11/27/loner-online-pushes-the-boundaries-of-gaming-and-night-clubbing-on-vrchat-interview/
  41. ↑ Meadow, M. (2021, April 5). MUZZ Will Launch Virtual Reality Tour With Teddy Killerz, Feint, & More. Your EDM. Retrieved August 27, 2023, from https://www.youredm.com/2021/04/05/muzz-will-launch-virtual-reality-tour-with-teddy-killerz-feint-more/
  42. ↑ French Musician Jean-Michel Jarre To Perform In VRChat This Weekend. (2020, June 18). UploadVR. Retrieved October 12, 2021, from https://uploadvr.com/jean-michel-jarre-vrchat-concert/
  43. ↑ Ewing, J. (2021, January 5). Jean-Michel Jarre celebrates 75million viewers for NYE show. Louder Sound. Retrieved February 10, 2021, from https://www.loudersound.com/news/jean-michel-jarre-celebrates-75million-viewers-for-nye-show
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