TL;DR
Shane Harris, CEO of SideQuest, has acquired the rights to AltspaceVR and plans to relaunch it this fall. The new platform will aim to revive key features and support custom avatars, with a team of former Altspace staff involved.
Shane Harris, CEO of SideQuest, has announced plans to relaunch AltspaceVR this fall, after acquiring its rights from Microsoft. The new platform aims to restore features from the 2016-2017 era and support modernized, custom avatars. This development marks a significant revival of a once-popular social VR platform, now under new ownership and direction.
Harris revealed on Reddit that he has secured the rights to the AltspaceVR name and is leading a project to bring it back as a ‘spiritual successor’ to the original. The relaunch will include features and functionalities reminiscent of the platform’s peak years, specifically around 2016-2017. Harris has assembled an experienced team, including former Altspace staff and influential community members, to guide development and prioritize what made AltspaceVR popular.
Among the planned updates is the modernization of avatar design, including support for custom avatars, building on Harris’s previous work with the Shane’s Editor space-making interface. Harris also indicated that he is working with the original concept designer to update the platform’s robot avatars, aiming for a more personalized experience. The relaunch will likely involve community input and focus on creating a welcoming social environment. Harris emphasized that the project is still in early stages, with many details yet to be finalized, but assured that the goal is to make AltspaceVR great again.
The revival of AltspaceVR is significant because it represents a renewed interest in social VR platforms that foster community and interaction. Altspace was a pioneer in social VR, and its shutdown in March 2023 left a gap in the market. Harris’s effort to bring it back could influence the future of social VR, especially if it emphasizes community-driven features and customization. The project also signals a potential shift in ownership and development focus, moving away from corporate closures to community-led revival efforts. For users, this could mean a more open, flexible social VR environment that builds on the original platform’s strengths.
Rebuff Reality VR Ears Headphones for Oculus Quest 2
- Real Life Sound Perception: Enhances sound direction and immersion
- Off-Ear Design: Compatible with most VR headsets, comfortable for long use
- Premium High-Quality Materials: Lightweight, durable, and portable for travel
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Background and Past of AltspaceVR and SideQuest
AltspaceVR was launched in May 2015 by developer Eric Romo and was acquired by Microsoft in 2017, integrating into its Mixed Reality portfolio. The platform was popular for virtual meetups, events, and social interactions until its shutdown in March 2023, as part of Microsoft’s layoffs. SideQuest, founded by Shane Harris, became a key platform for Quest developers and users, especially after Meta’s App Lab was phased out in favor of a more open ecosystem in 2024. Despite its success, SideQuest faced layoffs in February 2025 amid shifts in the VR industry. Harris’s recent acquisition of AltspaceVR’s rights signals a new chapter, aiming to revive a beloved social space with a community-focused approach.
“We recently acquired the rights to the Altspace name and we have the motivation, experience and backing to bring it back in all its glory.”
— Shane Harris
Unanswered Questions About the Relaunch Timeline and Features
Details about the exact launch date, final feature set, and platform compatibility are still emerging. It is not yet clear how closely the new AltspaceVR will resemble the original in terms of user interface and social features, or how it will be funded and maintained long-term. Harris has indicated ongoing development but has not provided a definitive timeline or comprehensive feature list, leaving some uncertainty about the scope of the relaunch.
Next Steps for the AltspaceVR Revival and Community Engagement
Harris plans to share regular updates in the coming weeks and months, including progress reports and beta testing opportunities. The team is actively working on development, community feedback, and platform testing. The official relaunch is targeted for this fall, with further details to be announced as the project advances. Stakeholders and users are encouraged to follow updates on Reddit and SideQuest channels.
Key Questions
When is AltspaceVR expected to relaunch?
The platform is planned to relaunch this fall, but an exact date has not yet been announced.
Will the new AltspaceVR support custom avatars?
Yes, Harris confirmed that the new platform will support custom avatars, including updates to the original robot designs.
How is the new AltspaceVR different from the original?
It aims to be a spiritual successor, restoring features from the 2016-2017 era, modernizing avatars, and involving community input to recreate the social experience.
Who is leading the development of the relaunch?
Shane Harris, CEO of SideQuest, is leading the project, working with former AltspaceVR staff and community members.
What challenges might the relaunch face?
Uncertainties include final feature set, platform support, funding, and how to rebuild a community after the original platform’s closure.
Source: UploadVR
