OpenSimWorld

OpenSimWorld

OpenSimWorld is an open source 3D virtual world platform that allows users to build and host their own virtual worlds. It is an alternative to platforms like Second Life.
OpenSimWorld image
virtual-world 3d open-source

OpenSimWorld: Open Source 3D Virtual World Platform

OpenSimWorld is an open source 3D virtual world platform that allows users to build and host their own virtual worlds. It is an alternative to platforms like Second Life.

What is OpenSimWorld?

OpenSimWorld is an open source 3D virtual world platform that enables users to host their own virtual worlds. It has many similarities with Second Life and is compatible with its file formats and viewers, but is a completely separate platform developed and maintained by an independent community.

Some key features of OpenSimWorld include:

  • Ability for anyone to download the software and host their own private virtual world on their own servers
  • Compatibility with Second Life viewers and content file formats like .OAR and .IAR
  • Support for creating avatars, building objects, scripting behaviors, and full simulation of physics and lighting
  • Multi-user access so many users can inhabit the same virtual world together in real-time
  • Support for creating NPC bots with AI scripts for populating worlds
  • Estate management features for land ownership, access rights, and trading

OpenSimWorld gives individuals and organizations much more control and flexibility to fully customize their virtual environments compared to closed platforms. It enables innovative applications like education and training simulations, prototyping 3D models, virtual offices and campuses, virtual events, and specialized worlds for collaboration, therapy, or gaming.

OpenSimWorld Features

Features

  1. Ability to create customized 3D virtual worlds
  2. Multi-user environments for social interaction
  3. Scripting and programming capabilities
  4. Customizable avatars
  5. Built-in economy and currency system
  6. Voice and text chat
  7. Content creation tools

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Open source and free

Highly customizable and extensible

Active developer community

Runs on consumer PCs

Supports user-generated content

Cons

Steep learning curve

Less user friendly than commercial options

Smaller user base than Second Life

Limited technical support

Requires powerful hardware for large worlds


The Best OpenSimWorld Alternatives

Top Games and Gaming Software and other similar apps like OpenSimWorld


Second Life icon

Second Life

Second Life is an online virtual world developed and owned by Linden Lab. Launched in 2003, Second Life allows its users, called Residents, to explore a vast virtual world, participate in individual and group activities, create and trade items, and socialize with other Residents from around the world.When creating an...
Second Life image
IMVU icon

IMVU

IMVU is a 3D avatar-based social networking and chat platform launched in 2004. It allows users to interact with each other through 3D avatars that can be customized to each user's preference.Some key features of IMVU include:Avatar customization - Users can customize everything about their avatar from hair, eyes, clothes,...
IMVU image
VRChat icon

VRChat

VRChat is a popular free-to-play massively multiplayer online virtual reality social platform that allows users to interact with others using VR headsets or desktop platforms. It was first released in 2014 and has grown to have millions of users.In VRChat, users can create their own fully customizable avatars and explore...
VRChat image
ChilloutVR icon

ChilloutVR

ChilloutVR is a social virtual reality (VR) platform designed for relaxation, stress relief, and casual social connection. It features visually stunning environments to explore, from tropical beaches to zen gardens, along with ambient and chillout music to set a soothing mood.Users create customizable avatars and can chat, interact with the...
ChilloutVR image
ActiveWorlds icon

ActiveWorlds

ActiveWorlds is a 3D virtual world platform launched in 1995 that runs on Windows. It allows users to explore and interact in real-time 3D environments using customizable avatars. Some key features of ActiveWorlds include:Customizable avatars - Users can customize their avatar's appearance with various clothes, accessories, skin tones, etc.Built-in chat...
ActiveWorlds image
Hippo OpenSim Viewer icon

Hippo OpenSim Viewer

The Hippo OpenSim Viewer is an open source, community-based 3D desktop client application for accessing OpenSim virtual world grids. It is derived from the Second Life viewer codebase and optimized specifically for OpenSim.Some key features and benefits of the Hippo Viewer include:Good stability and performance in OpenSim environmentsSupport for OpenSim-specific...
Hippo OpenSim Viewer image
Vircadia icon

Vircadia

Vircadia is an open-source virtual reality platform for building immersive 3D environments that can be explored together with others in real-time. It was originally forked from Project Sansar in 2020. Vircadia enables anyone to create interactive virtual spaces without needing expert coding skills or 3D modeling experience.Some key features of...
Vircadia image
OpenSimulator icon

OpenSimulator

OpenSimulator is an open source multi-platform, multi-user 3D application server. It allows users to create and host virtual worlds similar to Second Life or other virtual reality platforms. Some key features of OpenSimulator include:Ability for users to explore virtual worlds with 3D avatars and interact with other users and virtual...
AltspaceVR icon

AltspaceVR

AltspaceVR is a social virtual reality platform launched in 2015 that allows users to interact with others in virtual reality. It features:Customizable avatars so users can represent themselvesSpatialized voice chat so users can talk to each otherEvents and activities like comedy shows, meetings, games nights, and lecturesCommunity-built spaces like cafes,...
AltspaceVR image
Kitely icon

Kitely

Kitely is a cloud-based virtual world platform launched in 2011 that allows users to build and host their own private virtual worlds without needing to set up any servers or infrastructure. It uses an innovative on-demand pricing model so users only pay for the virtual land and resources they use.Some...
Kitely image
The Education District icon

The Education District

The Education District is a comprehensive, cloud-based learning management system designed specifically for K-12 schools and districts. It provides a wide range of tools to support blended and online learning, including:An intuitive course builder for creating engaging online courses with assessments, multimedia, and interactive elementsRobust gradebook features for assessing student...
The Education District image