Microsoft will shut down AltspaceVR, the social virtual reality (VR) platform the company acquired in 2017, on March 10th, 2023. 

‎‎‏‏‎ ‎

In a blog post published on Friday, Microsoft explained the move will help shift its focus to support immersive experiences powered by its mixed-reality platform, Microsoft Mesh.

‎‎‏‏‎ ‎

AltspaceVR became one of the first social VR experiences when it launched in 2015. After the startup announced it would shut down in 2017, Microsoft rescued the platform as part of its efforts to build its own mixed-reality ecosystem.

AltspaceVR @AltspaceVR

We have some sad news, Altspacers. #AltspaceVR is shutting down on March 10th. Though we hate saying goodbye, we also feel such pride and gratitude for all the magic that happened here. ✨ Thanks for joining us on this epic adventure. #socialvr

altvr.comAltspaceVR to Sunset the Platform on March 10, 2023 - AltspaceVRWe want to thank all who have used AltspaceVR over the years to bring a delightful and enriching dimension to the world.

5:42 PM ∙ Jan 20, 2023

---

410Likes137Retweets

‎‎‏‏‎ ‎

“We look forward to what is to come, including our launch of Microsoft Mesh, a new platform for connection and collaboration, starting by enabling workplaces around the world,” Microsoft said. “In the near term, we are focusing our VR efforts on workplace experiences, learning from and alongside our early customers and partners, and ensuring we deliver a foundation that enables security, trust, and compliance. Over time, we hope to extend to consumer experience[s] a[s] well."

‎‎‏‏‎ ‎

This news came just days after Microsoft announced it would cut 10,000 employees through the end of March. According to Windows Central, plans to cut the AltspaceVR team as part of the reorganization.

⠀

For more from us at Waivly, join our free fun-to-read and to-the-point newsletter enjoyed by hundreds of people across the internet every day of the week 👇